Frost Fire

by Michelle Howard

  “I didn’t plan on leaving this late.”

  Faris laughed outright and laid his head next to hers on the pillow they shared. He was about to drift off, the sex and relief from telling her everything had exhausted him emotionally.

  So easy to kill.

  Spill her blood.

  She seeks to control.

  He tensed at the return of the voices.

  “Faris?” Rena shifted about, her leg sliding between his.

  He shook his head. “Nothing.”

  Rena caressed his jaw, soothing touches. To his relief, the voice winked out immediately. They could make this work. Their love was strong enough. Faris believed because Rena believed and she was the strongest woman he’d ever known.

  Chapter 11

  Faris dressed with his normal care, leggings, thick socks, fur lined boots, and a short sleeved tunic beneath a white vest with silver threads. At some point today he’d dispose of the vest. His internal temperature fluctuated a lot lately. Due to the madness spreading within he often thought.

  “Will you be gone long?” Simeon asked.

  Barely glancing up as he worked the closures on his vest, Faris replied, “Yes. Probably. I’m not sure.”

  The snort pulled his head up and Faris met his advisor’s grinning face. “That was clear, Sire.”

  Shaking his head, Faris’ lips curved. “Sorry. My mind is distracted. I’m going to see Rena.”

  He liked being in her presence and watching her work now that he didn’t have to hide his interest. It was a pleasure he didn’t take for granted. Being with Rena had the added benefit of minimizing the voices in his head over the last few days since they’d reconnected. It didn’t in anyway mean he was cured, but the moments of quiet were such a relief Faris couldn’t resist.

  He also plain enjoyed her company. Faris had forgotten how quick and sharp her mind was. The witty comments and her insight reminded him that he often used to love listening to her talk.

  “I’ll let the staff know not to prepare dinner.”

  The Silver were the least materialistic of all the Dracol sects. The staff equated to two house helpers in the kitchen and two who did the cleaning. The simple single level house Faris had claimed from the former king when he assumed the mantle was all the space he needed.

  “Give my best to Rena and tell her that my mother enjoyed the decorative daggers very much.” Simeon bowed and left Faris on his own to finish getting ready.

  Now. Now is the time to rise. Crush them beneath our heel.

  Faris reached out and braced a hand on the bedside table.

  Do it. Rip their safety away and prove your might.

  The voice was adamant, always encouraging Faris to destroy the sect he loved. Rylin and the others had to figure out a way to appease the Goddess of Fate or else put an end to his suffering.

  Why wait? Kill them. It will feel so goooood.

  The last word was whispered like a seductive caress, oozing against his skin. Shivers rolled down his spine as Faris was bombarded with sensations. Visions filled his head. Dark. Menacing.

  Hot, slick blood running down his face, the taste sweet and refined. Shredded flesh squeezed between his claws. And above all, the roar of power unequaled. Such ecstasy. It was incomparable.

  “No.” Faris gripped his head and closed his eyes.

  Bad mistake. The images came faster behind his closed lids, violence and death bursting in exquisite detail. One hand dropped to his cock and Faris stroked his growing length through his pants.

  Screams, pleas and the begging. The begging sent a ripple of pleasure down his spine.

  “Ooooh,” Faris moaned as the sounds of terror and the dying teased like a lover.

  Is this what he’d become? Aroused by the potential end of all he knew? The thought caused him to stiffen. He needed to get away. He released the firm grip on his shaft and held both hands up to his face. His fingers trembled. A low growl rumbled forth despite his gritted teeth.

  Rena. Her name came to him on a prayer. Forcing one foot in front of the other, Faris left his home. As he drew close to her workshop, he sped up, ignoring all those who called out to him.

  Maniacal laughter exploded in his head and he stumbled. Frowns were cast in his direction, but Faris waved everyone away. He couldn’t be certain he’d resist the demand to rip their heads from their shoulders if they neared him.

  His shoulder took the brunt of pain as Faris slammed into the door of Rena’s workplace. Her head jerked up, mouth falling open as he kicked the door shut.

  Perfect. Kill her first. The surprise, the shock. Watch as the life drains from her.

  “Faris, what are you doing here?” Rena lowered the hammer and glowing heating tool she held in each hand. Brows creased, she was already moving in his direction.

  “Stop!” Faris held up a hand and slumped back against a table as he panted for breath. His heart pounded so hard, his chest ached. He pressed a hand to it. “Don’t come closer.”

  Understanding flickered across her face. She lifted the heavy protective apron over her head and set it on the work table, not attempting to come closer. For that, Faris had never been more grateful. His gaze greedily took in her appearance, the concerned expression along with the messy hair pinned atop her head in a bun.

  “What do you need from me, Faris?”

  Her soft inquiry brought tears to his eyes. He didn’t deserve her, but he’d fight to the death to keep her. “T-t-the v-v-v-voice—”

  He broke off on a broken snarl, unable to get the words out without his teeth stuttering over what he was saying.

  “I’m here. Whatever you need.” She stepped closer, gaze never leaving his.

  She lies! The voice blasted. Faris cried out and banged his head on the wall behind him.

  Lies!

  Lies!

  Lies!

  Kill her! She loves another!

  So many thoughts. Too many. Faris pressed a hand to his eye socket to stop the pain. “Do you love another?”

  Why was he asking? Rena loved him. He knew she did. Knew it to the bottom of his soul.

  “There is no other,” she answered calmly. Her hand stretched behind her as she reached for a completed short sword.

  Faris snapped upright, thoughts clear in this one brief moment. “Do. Not.”

  He knew if Rena drew a weapon on him, he’d attack against his will. Unfortunately, his voice echoed in the room and bounced off the walls. Shelves rattled in reaction to the flair of power he released. The mantle shuddered, fueling the menace growing inside of him.

  Rena lowered her arm. “Alright. I’ll trust you if you say I’m safe with you. Am I safe with you in here, Faris?”

  Safe? This time the laugh in his head escaped his mouth and Rena flinched.

  “No. Yes. Argh!” He whirled around and smashed both fists onto a half finished shield on the table behind him, cracking it straight down the middle with the blow. He hung his head and breath billowed from his chest.

  “Faris!” Rena hugged him from behind, her arms tight about his waist.

  He fought the urge to struggle as she pressed her face to the middle of his back. Breathing deeply, Faris held still. He tried to focus on her touch, her scent. Anything. Stay calm. He had to stay calm.

  Kill. Her.

  The rage returned full force. Faris spun in her grip, breaking free and putting a small bit of distance between them. His upper lip curled on a growl, making a point to show her his deadly fangs. Claws popped from his fingertips and the burn along his arms was followed by the metallic sheen of scales sprouting on the outside from biceps to wrists.

  “Re-na,” he dragged her name from deep within, pain stinging his flesh. “Get. Back.”

  Wary eyes met his, but she didn’t attempt to come close again.

  Slash her throat. Drink her blood.

  Rena flinched.

  Had he spoken aloud? Faris roared and thrust his head back, muscles straining as he clenched his fists and his inner Dr
acol came to his aid pushing back against an entity with the force of a swelling tide.

  ***

  The things Faris said. He wanted to kill her? Rena hid her shaking hands in the back pockets of her pants. Everything about Faris was different, from his oddly deep voice to the evil glare he aimed in her direction. Even now, she thought he might leap across the space and come for her. This morning when she’d left his bed, he’d been full of smiles and potent kisses she’d had to break away from. Nothing about the male in front of her remotely called to mind that bubbling feeling she’d had as she danced her way to her workshop.

  “H-hard. Hard to fight, Rena.” His words slurred, but she understood.

  Taking a risk, she stepped forward and stared intently into the swirling eyes shooting daggers in her direction. “You can get through this, Faris. Fight.”

  Growls intermixed with snarls were his response and then a slew of words Rena never expected to hear.

  “Want to kill you. Feast on your insides. Push you to your knees and fuc—”

  Faris roared and pounded at his head with a fist so hard, Rena feared for his safety more than her own.

  Against his advice, she was back in front of him, her hand locked on the end of his braid. Rena yanked his head close and smashed her mouth to his. The kiss was harsh, her tongue pushing between his lips. She ground her hips against him, her free hand cupping his ass while she lifted a thigh and rocked her core over his hard cock.

  “This. You want this, Faris?”

  He moaned and snatched her closer, if possible. The kiss he returned was as rough as the one she’d given him. Rena matched his edge of violence with a passion of her own. They nipped at each other’s mouths, groaning and rocking together. Letting go of his braid, Rena lowered her hand and roughly stroked his hard length pressed against her.

  “Nothing, no madness, no mantle—nothing gets to come between us ever again,” she vowed through gritted teeth.

  His response was another ragged groan as he kissed her neck, teeth sharp as they scraped her skin. The prick of his claws stung her hips, but Rena didn’t resist. She released his solid erection to caress his back, digging her own nails in as hard as she could.

  Faris growled, pumping against her body in a feral manner with no thought to her pleasure. Then as if frustrated at the lack of sensation, he picked her up beneath her thighs and carried her to the nearest table where he sat her down. Rena took a deep breath to catch up with the frantic pace between them.

  Faris leaned over her, face dark with intimidation. His eyes still held an eerie glow she didn’t trust and yet she was wet and ready for a potent bout of sex with him in this state.

  “Faris?”

  “Mine to do with what I want.” He made the statement as if daring her to protest.

  “Only if you can handle me.” Rena lay back and spread her legs. The coldness of the table beneath her did nothing to abate the heat spiraling through her loins. Her nipples strained against the fabric of her shirt seeking attention.

  Like an insane beast, he was on her and Rena accepted it. Accepted Faris because no matter what, deep inside her Faris was fighting as hard as she was fighting for him.

  He licked a path down her collarbone, chuckling at her feverish shiver. He rubbed her mound with his palm and grinned when she jerked and twitched. Rena relaxed, looping her arms about his neck. They’d win. They had to. The alternative she refused to accept.

  “Give me all of you, Faris.” She tossed her head back as he kissed his way up her neck, nuzzling her hair aside. The gentleness of the act softened her and Rena believed he’d gained control of the entity trying to destroy him.

  “Weak, pathetic,” he murmured by her ear as he squeezed and molded her breasts in his big hands. It felt so good. Rena moaned and arched up, hoping he’d replace his hands with his mouth. Wait. His words slowly penetrated the fog of desire. She tensed as he continued. “Such a fool.”

  Rena twisted about to roll to the side, but it was too late. Faris flipped her to her front and used his considerable weight to keep her smashed to the table. Rena struggled, her hands braced beneath her to buck. Faris laughed and smoothed her hair to the side, baring her nape. He licked a trail up the sensitive curve of her neck, mocking the moments before.

  “You think to trick me,” he accused then ripped her shirt down the back, tossing the remnants away.

  The material fluttered to the floor and genuine fear flashed through her for the first time. Wet, moist and sucking, his lips teased down her naked spine. “Faris, stop!”

  Ignoring her plea, he gripped her butt then tore her leather pants. Rena screamed, kicking out as much as possible. Faris climbed onto the table, knees braced about her hips. “Remember how you loved this position?”

  To her disbelief, Rena’s nipples furled into tight buds, sending pulses of arousal to her center. No. Faris would never forgive himself if she let this happened. She clawed the wood surface and tried to slide across the table. He stilled her efforts with the strength of a full grown Dracol. Deep inside, her heart skittered its beat.

  Laughter spilled from above as Faris leaned in close. Warm breath stirred the skin by her ears. “What do you have to say now? Can I still have all of you...amans?”

  Bastard. Whatever had a hold of the Silver King thought to break her like this? Rena smiled and rested her cheek on the table. The smell of wood and metal brought a soothing calm. This was her space. Where she came to center herself. She leveraged her head up as much as he’d let her and met his gaze with all the iciness he’d used on her in the past. “Do your worst. I love, Faris. I love you. What you want to do shows how desperate you are to defeat us.”

  He stilled above her. Rena waited. Had her words gotten through to his inner Dracol? Faris nudged her head with his chin. “Rena?”

  A heavy sigh accompanied her name yet she answered cautiously. “Yes?”

  He inhaled sharply, the light scent of his breath teasing hers nostrils. Another breath and Faris shuddered. Rena waited to see if he was back for good and almost wilted in relief when he kissed her temple.

  “You good, Faris? Back with me?” He stood and Rena sat up quickly, linking her ankles about his legs when he sought to move away. She studied his expression for any hint or clue to his thoughts

  He gazed down into her face and stroked her cheek. “I need to see Rylin. This can’t go on. I’m losing the battle.”

  After witnessing this episode, Rena had to agree. If this was what he dealt with whenever the madness took over, they couldn’t wait. It was much worst than the rambling they’d discussed.

  “I wanted to hurt you. That’s not acceptable to me,” he whispered, agony in his gaze.

  Chapter 12

  Rena and Faris gathered in King Rylin’s study, his best friend Mikal in attendance as well.

  “All indications point to the deadline nearing,” Mikal explained after filling Rena in on what they knew.

  “What do you mean?” Rena asked from her seat on the arm of the chair Faris had taken. She ran her hand in what she hoped was a soothing pattern back and forth across his rigid shoulders. He hadn’t been the same since his attempted attack on her. it bothered him deeply how close he’d come to harming her.

  Rylin propped a hip on the edge of his desk and folded his arms over an impressive chest. Rena hated to admit the physical attractiveness of the King of the Black rivaled Faris. Then again something about the mantle seemed to add an unnecessary layer of sexy to the males when they ascended.

  “Based on the research I’ve been doing by all those impacted, they succumbed within weeks to full blown madness. Inability to rationalize, loss of control. My own member started killing liras and grew progressively worst. Varyk’s man hid his struggle a little better, but he destroyed his lira and I almost lost my daughter to his rage.”

  Rena had heard the stories. It had been a race against time to get Rylin’s unborn back to prevent her from bonding at birth with the one who’d taken her.
>
  “And how does that effect Faris? He said he’s been dealing with this for months.”

  By all accounts, he should have gone on a rampage and killed anyone he thought opposed him. At the thought, Rena’s hand clenched on the firm muscles beneath her fingertips.

  Faris reached up and caressed her wrist until her grip slackened. He tipped his head to the side and kissed her knuckles. “I can answer for Rylin and Mikal. While they might think the deadline is nearing, I say it’s here.”

  Stunned silence filled the room. Then Rena jumped to her feet, unable to remain sitting. She jammed a hand through her hair and shot all of them a dark glare as she paced. “You can’t know that.”

  Faris arched a brow and Rena flushed. Of course what happened earlier would be on both of their minds. “I know, Rena. If you had any idea of the murderous thoughts I had about you...”

  “I don’t care,” Rena snapped. She shook her head because that wasn’t the complete truth. “I do care. What do you suggest, King Rylin?”

  There had to be something they could do. Mikal picked up a stack of papers from the desk behind King Rylin and shuffled through them. He kept one and placed the others back on the desk with care before handing it to his king. The paper was browned with age and appeared brittle between Rylin’s thick fingers.

  “Kon’s actually the one who discovered what we’ve all been missing. He pointed out the escalation once the infected could no longer control their urges. It led him to search for a specific historical notation. This was found in an old archive at his underwater home. It talks of the sects being at war, constant battles and huge loss of life. Then peace though tenuous had been achieved.”

  Rena swallowed. She hadn’t been alive for the wars. She’d heard stories. Everyone had. Territory encroachment was a big deal and in the past each sect had used the smallest infraction to initiate small fights that surged into massive battles. The Green had been the most vengeful in retaliating, creating the highest death toll.

  “How does that help us?” Faris asked, tugging Rena onto his lap. She started to protest then noticed how stiff his thighs were beneath hers and the way he locked a hand on her hip, holding her in place.