Immortals of Indriell- The Collection

by Melissa A. Craven

  “He’s Coalition?” Aidan hissed.

  “How did you—”

  “You blocked me, but did you forget my ears still work?”

  “Ahh, crap.”

  “Answer me, Alexis Ann.”

  “No. He’s not Coalition.”

  “Allie—”

  “We don’t have time for this. I need you to trust me.” She thumped his chest to get through to him. “This is our best option of getting you there. I promise he will not ask any questions or make any trouble.”

  “I don’t like this.”

  “You think I do? I don’t want to put him in danger again.”

  “Allie?” Liam stomped into the office. “You’re supposed to be resting.”

  “Sorry, I was just … uh … saying goodbye.”

  “Come on, we are leaving in a few hours and it would help if you can manage some sleep first.”

  “I’ll … see you soon.” Allie stepped away, but Aidan pulled her back. Hard. He held her tight against his chest, but his lips barely brushed hers. “Be safe,” he murmured in her ear before letting her go. I’ll meet you in the tunnels whenever you can slip away. We’ll go get your stuff and check on your parents. I asked Dad to put a few guards near your house for the next day or two.

  Thank you for thinking of them, Aidan. He knew she would worry about their safety through all of this.

  “Enough of that. Come on, little one, you’ve said your goodbyes.”

  ~~~

  CHAPTER

  TWENTY-NINE

  Finally, Aidan said when Allie stepped into the tunnel leading to her house.

  Liam’s in full-blown big brother mode. She shrugged. It’s kind of nice, but annoying at the same time. I had to convince him no one was going to attack me in the middle of the night in the tunnels.

  Allie ran swiftly beside Aidan. The closer they came to her house, the more she worried about the safety of her parents. What if something happened to them in the middle of all of this?

  They’ll be fine, Lex. Dad wouldn’t leave them unprotected.

  I know, I’ll just feel better seeing it for myself.

  They took the side entrance to her tower bedroom and slipped into the house quietly, trying not to wake her parents.

  “Let’s get your things, babe.” Aidan grabbed her hand and led her upstairs to her room.

  “I need my sai and my weapons belt.” She headed to her closet to gather her weapons from their hiding place.

  “Where’s your gear?” Aidan asked.

  “In the bathroom at the back of the linen closet.”

  She heard him rumbling around for her black armored fatigues. She hadn’t worn them since the games last year. Hope they still fit. She fumbled through her closet for her bladed quarterstaff and the jewelry box containing her growing collection of concealed weapons. Her hands shook as she lifted the coiled bracelet—a whip in disguise. She hadn’t worn it since the night of the ball.

  “Got everything?” he asked.

  “Almost.” Allie lifted Kassandre’s necklace over her head, feeling her mother’s protection wrap around her like a comforting blanket. Just knowing it was there gave her strength.

  Allie laid her things on the bed, taking stock of what she might need over the next twenty-four hours. She chewed her thumbnail, racking her brain for anything she might be missing.

  “Relax, Lex,” Aidan said as he stepped behind her, his breath stirring her hair.

  “I don’t think I can. Not till this is over and everyone is safe.”

  His hand slipped around hers, turning her to face him. His arms snaked around her waist as he pressed his forehead against hers. “Promise me you’ll be careful, Alexis Ann. Don’t you go trying anything heroic that will jeopardize yourself. No one expects you to fix this all on your own.”

  “I know. But I have to try, Aidan. I can’t let our—your family die.”

  “They are just as much your family as mine and they all love you.… I love you. I love you for doing everything in your power to protect them.” His breath was warm on her face and her heart thumped in her chest. She knew he could feel everything she felt in that moment, both through his gift and their connection.

  “Aidan … I—”

  “You don’t have to say it. I know you aren’t ready. Your fear of us is your fatal flaw.” His arrogant smirk chased her nerves away.

  “Well … maybe I’m not so scared anymore.” She gazed up at him. She was so tired of resisting him when that was the last thing she wanted. With everything they faced, she could feel her walls crumbling and she just wanted to be near him. To feel his arms around her.

  His irritable growl rumbled in his chest. “You have the worst timing ever.” He crushed her against him.

  “I can take it back.” She pressed her face into the warmth of his sweater.

  “Don’t you dare.” He laughed, holding her tighter.

  “Take care of yourself, Aidan. I, I don’t want this to change you—to change us,” she whispered. The visions flashed through her mind so quickly she struggled to keep up with the important details. She saw so much looming before them, beyond the immediate threat––the one the thing she feared the most. If she failed him when he needed her, he might never forgive her. But if she saved him, he would never look at her the same again. It was a no-win situation.

  “What have you seen? What do I need to know, Allie?” He tilted her chin up to meet his gaze. “You're blocking me again.”

  “Just promise me you’ll take care of yourself and don’t worry so much about me. I’ll be with you, Darius, and Liam. I’ll be fine.”

  “I’ll never be able to stop worrying about you, but I’ll stay focused on what’s in front of me. And right now that’s you.” He leaned down and kissed her. His lips were soft and gentle––the kiss a promise of something more if she was ready, but it was over before she could really enjoy it.

  She trembled, the moment completely overwhelming her.

  “What do you need, Lex?” He frowned down at her. “I’m here, baby. What can I do?”

  “Aidan, I’m so tired of being angry and scared all the time,” she whispered. “I’ve been in such a rage for months—I’m sick of it. I want to feel something good. I need to forget. For a little while.” She reached up to cup his face, her thumb scraping over the hint of stubble along his jaw. She was done resisting the pull of Aidan.

  “Alexis Ann, you’re killing me,” he whispered as he held her close and brought his lips down to hers. They tumbled to the bed, scattering her battle gear as Allie moved to peel his shirt up over his head.

  They’d slept together so many nights that feeling his bare skin against hers wasn’t a foreign sensation anymore, but she’d missed it. Missed him.

  “Allie, what is this?” Aidan leaned back, taking a slow deep breath. “If you want me to make you forget for a while, I can do that. If you want me to make you feel good, I’m dying to do that, baby.” He kissed her throat, taking another deep breath, inhaling the scent of her hair. “But I do not want to risk our friendship on an impulsive decision. You know how much I love you. You have my heart.” He pressed her palm over his bare chest. “I want us … more than I’ve ever wanted anything. I’m in this, Allie. But I don’t ever want your regret.” He was asking her if she was all in, and this time she was ready.

  She could feel the rhythmic thudding of his heart, beating as fast as hers. She slid her palm down his chest to his waist, taking a moment to really think about what was happening between them. She'd fought for so long, resisting him since the day she first met him. Her fear seemed like such a trivial thing now. She wasn’t sure she could articulate in words what she was feeling. Allie opened her mind to Aidan’s and let her thoughts speak for her.

  No matter what happens between us, we will always be more than just friends. We will always be equals. It would break my heart to lose you, but you’re part of me now. The best part of me. No matter where life takes us, we will always have that. “I love
you, Aidan.” She reached up to stroke his face, hovering over hers. “That is the only thing I’m certain of now. But you knew that long before I did.” She pulled him closer, wrapping her arms around him.

  I love you, Allie. Nothing will ever change that. But are you absolutely sure about this?

  I have no doubts about us, Aidan. Don’t overthink it. Just kiss me, now—please? Allie let go of all thought about the coming struggle. In this moment, only she and Aidan mattered. She gasped as he broke away from her, lifting her shirt over her head. He stroked the curve of her hips as she arched back to unclasp her bra. His hands, rough and calloused from years of training, trailed along her sides, making her shiver in anticipation.

  He’d seen her naked before. It was kind of difficult to hide from their shared thoughts. They’d gotten over their shyness a long time ago, and he’d always been a gentleman about it. But now his eyes raked over her as he worked her jeans down over her hips.

  I’ve been dying to see all of this. He traced the vines of her tattoo with his lips, his hands wandering over the curves of her body.

  “Aidan?” Her voice trembled as she fumbled with his jeans.

  “I got it, baby.” He kissed her slow and deep, pushing her hands aside as he shed the rest of his clothes.

  The feel of his lean, hard body nestled fully against hers was both frightening and exhilarating at the same time.

  “We don’t have much time, Allie,” he murmured, nipping at her throat, just below her ear as he draped her legs around his hips. I want to go slow and relish every moment of this with you … every part of you.

  We don’t have time. Aidan, I just … I need to feel close to you. Her power churned in her chest as warmth flooded her body.

  I don’t want to hurt you, baby. He looked down at her, concern filling his dark eyes.

  You won’t. I’m your equal; your power won’t hurt me.

  “I wasn’t talking about that part, silly.” He chuckled as he moved over her, resting his weight on his elbows.

  “Oh. Right. Um … I think I can handle it.” She arched up against him, her hands resting on his lower back. She wanted to explore every inch of him too, but they only had these few stolen moments.

  He moved so slowly, so carefully, like she was made of glass. His lips were warm and firm against hers; her hands glided over his strong back, eager to bring him closer.

  More. She wanted to forget the horrible images that continued to flicker through her mind. She wanted to feel anything but the boiling anger and fear in the pit of her stomach. She wanted to feel love. And in Aidan’s arms was right where she knew she would find it.

  You’ve always had me, Lex. He moaned, his breath hot against her fevered skin.

  Sensation bloomed inside her as they began to move, fluid and sure, like they’d done this a thousand times. He knew what she wanted and he gave it to her and then some. Their minds completely open to each other with no secrets between them, she felt his pleasure as well as her own. Her breath came faster, his sexy growl a deep rumble in his chest, his hands all over her body. Allie had never felt so much all at once. For so long she’d resisted what he’d offered so freely. She’d held his love at bay, too scared to risk the heartbreak she knew would kill her if she ever lost him. But this—she would never get enough of this … of him.

  “Aidan.…” She clutched him as her body responded to his.

  “Allie.” His voice came out in a strangled rasp. “I love you.” He pressed his forehead against hers, his eyes like simmering gold in the darkness, staring into the green fire of hers. They breathed the same air, gazing at each other in complete awe of what passed between them.

  Aidan pulled her against his chest, holding her close. “If I had a choice, I would never let you out of this bed.” He kissed her softly. “If I had a choice, I would lay here all night, just holding you, making sure your first time was memorable.”

  “It was definitely memorable, Aidan.” She traced the lines of his face, examining every detail—the curve of his lips and the golden sparkle of his black star sapphire eyes, so full of love she wasn’t sure she would ever be able to fathom it.

  “As memorable as Agra?”

  “What a stupid night that was.” She laughed.

  “We could have saved ourselves a lot of drama if we’d just done it then,” Aidan said. “Think of all the opportunities we’ve missed over the last six months.”

  “I had a boyfriend then—I’m just glad he wasn’t there that night. I had no business throwing myself at you like that. And in front of everyone too.” She was mortified all over again.

  “I blame Liam. You’re immune to his poison, but you definitely are not immune to his intoxicating song.”

  “I blame Liam too.” She nodded. That night had been sort of a celebration. Sasha was about to leave for her job with the Senate and everyone wanted to have a going-away party to cheer her up. But when Liam sang, coupled with the hardcore shots she and Aidan had sneaked from the bar, Allie got sloshed.

  “Drunk Allie is super cute, though.” Aidan smiled at the memory.

  “Drunk Allie apparently has zero inhibitions.” She and Aidan had danced with their friends, but she wasn’t subtle in her hints that they should go make out somewhere.

  “I wasn’t sober either, but I didn’t want to take advantage of the situation. I knew you would regret it and then you’d never forgive me.” Aidan sighed.

  “Well, I didn’t make turning me down very easy.” By the time Liam had come looking for them, the situation was intense and he’d interrupted at just the right time.

  “I’ve never been so happy and so pissed to see Liam in my life.” Aidan rolled over, tucking her under his arm.

  “I think we scarred him for life.”

  The morning after, Allie hadn’t been hung over, but she was mortified and demanded no one ever speak of it again.

  “I’m sorry it took me so long to get here, Aidan,” she whispered.

  “I’m just glad you finally made it. Just promise me you’re not going to freak out and take it all back once you’ve had time to think about it. I honestly don't think I can handle that.”

  “I’m all in, Aidan.”

  “Me too. But we have to go, Lex.”

  “I know.”

  “When this is all over. I’m taking you to bed and we’re not coming up for air for an entire weekend.” His arrogant smile lit his face and she laughed.

  “Don’t laugh, baby. I’m dead serious.” He pinned her beneath him, kissing her so hard her toes curled and she gasped into his mouth, feeling the familiar warmth spread through her body.

  “Damn,” Aidan growled. “Shouldn’t have done that.”

  “Come on, babe. We have to go.” Allie wiggled out from under him, reluctant to leave their happy bubble. After this was all over, who knew how this would affect their relationship, but she had no regrets. Aidan was always the guy for her. She just hadn’t been ready to stand beside him as an equal. She didn’t want to be the baggage he had to hold up beside him. But she thought she was ready to stand on her own now and he was the one she wanted standing beside her.

  She grabbed her clothes and darted for the bathroom.

  “Need some help?” Aidan called behind her.

  “Something tells me that would be counter-productive.”

  “You’re probably right.”

  Allie rushed to get dressed, checking the time on her phone. They had to get back before Liam came looking for them.

  “Besides…” She stepped back into the room with her protective gear on. “…I think my parents are up now, so we should behave ourselves.” Allie paced across the room, stuffing her weapons belt into her bag.

  “Those are from last year?” Aidan asked.

  “What, my fatigues? Yeah.”

  “Were they that tight?” Aidan stepped behind her, running his hands over her hips.

  “Are you saying I gained weight?”

  “No, ma’am. I’m saying I think yo
u got curvier in all the right places. You look hot. I’m a little tempted to shove a sweater over your head.”

  “Aidan. We don’t have time for this, silly.” Allie grabbed her hip-length leather jacket and zipped it up. “That better?”

  “Slightly.”

  Allie grabbed her bag in one hand and Aidan’s hand in the other. “Let’s go check on my parents and make sure they’ll be safe. Then we have some a-holes to deal with.”

  ~~~

  “What are you going to tell your mom?” Aidan met Allie at the kitchen door, like he’d just arrived for an early breakfast.

  “The usual, I guess.” Allie shrugged. She knew her mother wouldn’t ask too many questions.

  “Where are you kids off to so early this morning?” Carson asked when they joined her parents at the bar.

  “Kayla’s … having a party tonight,” Allie lied.

  “Isn’t it a little early for a party?” Carson looked at his watch.

  “We’re helping her with all the setup,” Aidan offered, shooting Allie a “you-suck-at-lying” glance.

  “Yeah, but … her parents will be there. Um, I think we’re just going to stay there tonight and then go shopping tomorrow. So I won’t be home till Sunday night.”

  Wow, you really do suck at this.

  “Aidan.” Lilly smiled. “Your mom was going to tell me about her next advanced yoga class at her studio and I seem to have misplaced her number. Can you give it to me?”

  Allie watched her mother’s transparent attempt to distract Aidan and she turned to her dad with a question on her face.

  “My office. Two seconds and I’ll let you get to your ‘party.’” Carson steered her toward his office across the living room.

  Allie blocked Aidan, hoping he wouldn’t push her for answers later.

  “What’s up, Dad?” She watched as he shut the door and turned on some background music to drown out their voices.

  “I don’t know what you’re up against, but I’m pretty sure it’s not a party.” He crossed the room to his desk and pulled a gun from his top drawer. A Beretta.

  “I’ll assume you know how to use one of these by now?” Carson kept his voice low enough that Aidan wouldn’t be able to hear.