“Your female has earned the respect of all of us. Even what you call dragons are impressed with her and are banding together to destroy this threat against her. Plus, it seems their one long time enemy has joined with those that want your mate. Dragon’s will do anything to wipe out all nissies.”
“Wait, what are nissies? Are you speaking my language or am I understanding yours?” Edward asked and noticed as Avril moved behind them.
“You are speaking their language. It is one of our gifts to you. You are now capable of understanding every species out there.” Deception’s woman offered.
“My name is Lerr and I’m in charge of my small group.” The creature glanced behind him and sniffed the air. “I’m afraid one of the dead bodies out there smells like that one behind you. Most likely a close relation.”
His gut twisted and Edward turned to stare at Avril. “You need to come with me. I was just told someone that smells like you is dead outside Avril.” He placed his hand on the man’s shoulder.
It tensed under his hand. “Then let’s go. If it is my father, I need to inform my mother and the rest of my family.” He looked down the hall and Edward shook his head.
“Do not worry about Beth, she will be fine,” Edward said moving up the stairs when Zot moved out of the way. “Lerr please stay here with Beth and Rock I would feel much better if someone was with Deception in case…”
The creature nodded and stood next to stairs with his companion while he and Avril took off running towards the garden. Guards followed in front and behind. People jumped out of the way seeing them coming down the hall.
As soon as he burst outside he knew it had been a set up as a blast of fire was sent at him and Avril sending them both flying in opposite directions. “Lucas, Beth and Rock!” Edward called out before getting a little burned at the next attack. Three of his guards were gone, burned to a crisp by the flying creature.
Chapter Nine
One minute Beth was screaming out her orgasm, the next she knew Rock fell forward on top of her with nothing but dead weight. The air in her lungs escaped in one whoosh when she saw the blood dripping down his skull and two gargoyle creatures standing over the bed.
“Someone is waiting for you, witch,” one of them said, his voice like that of fingernails scratching a chalkboard.
That was when Beth realized that she moved or both of them were going to be dead, if her man already wasn’t. Anger, and the promise of retribution, opened the floodgates of her power. Carefully, Beth’s magic covered Rock’s non-moving body, sending him to the hidden caves below where she knew he’d be safe, before flinging herself off the other side of the bed, away from the two blue assholes.
“Do you really think I’m going to allow you to leave after what you just did?” There was no need for words when her power was released. Both creatures screamed as she watched the smoke come slowly out of their mouths, eyes, and ears till they were nothing but balls of fire.
“No one hurts what is mine.” She spun around, hearing someone in the doorway. Standing naked, magic sparks flew all around her body, but inside she was screaming, wanting to get to Rock. Upon seeing Lucas there, Beth released the breath she had been holding.
Tears filled her eyes and all of a sudden she was very cold. “Rock,” she whispered as Lucas dressed her in her favorite jeans and sweater before swinging her up in his arms.
“Let’s go see what can be done,” Lucas squeezed her tight before they disappeared from the room and reappeared in the cave she had sent Rock. Lucas lit the room with healing candles, and lowered her feet to the ground.
Rock was lying on the same table that all four of them had claimed her what seemed so long ago. Blood pooled around the base of his head, but he still hadn’t moved. “Rock, please.” She stepped up to his side as Lucas took the other side.
“He’s not dead, but the hit to the head…” Lucas looked over at her. “It’s not good My Heart,” as soon as the words had come out, Dred was there with Edward and the two on-call doctors.
She stepped back into Edward’s arms noticing the burn marks on his arms and clothes. “What happened? How can they attack? Our place is protected, the Yeehaws and Raynard were to keep them out.” Beth looked up at Edward and he shook his head.
“I don’t know, sweetheart. It seems all our defenses are gone. Lucas, you know more about these other species. Why would they attack here and join your brother?” Edward held her tight as she watched the doctors work on Rock.
“They didn’t. Somehow Lucas’ brother managed to gather a few trouble makers from each world to aid in his plans,” a man or creature said, appearing in the doorway of the hidden cave. “May we come in? I might be able to help.”
Lucas nodded. “Please, any help you can give us would be deeply appreciated. Dred, these are members of the council I was talking about. They are here for a visit. If anyone can heal your brother, it would be them,” Lucas stated as he stepped in front of a very pissed off wolf. “I promise I will allow nothing to happen to Rock. He’s loved by all of us.”
Still not trusting the new men, Dred angled to watch everything they did. Rock was her… well, he was her rock. Her chin started to wobble and fresh tears rolled down her face as Beth realized while Rock didn’t say much, he’d been the one that always tried to interfere when the others were arguing. He was the peacekeeper of their group. He knew when she needed that extra hug or kiss. Rock would be considered her human husband. Always seeing to her every need and making sure he was always there for her.
The hurt and anger in Dred’s expression made her step out of Edward’s arms and moving to him. “Dred,” she reached up to touch him and he jerked back, like he’d been hit.
“Sorry,” Beth turned away, but his strong arms wrapped around her and hugged her tight halting her.
“I’m sorry.” His voice was rough. She turned to face him and saw the tears in his eyes.
“Rock will make it, he has to.” Beth slid her arms around his waist and rested her head against Dred’s chest. “I think when all this crap is settled down, the five us needs to go away. Somewhere where no one knows us.” They stood there holding each other watching the two strange men as they worked on Rock. There were no needles or medical equipment anywhere near Rock’s body and they weren’t using magic that Beth was used to. No, this was way out of her comfort zone, but Beth didn’t care. Whatever they were doing as they waved their hands over Rock’s body was working. A small moan, the twitching of his fingers and the movement of his legs, she held her breath praying.
“The blow to the head isn’t his problem. He was injected with the toxin they carry on their claws. He will be fine by tomorrow, but keep him in bed for the night. Lucas, we would like to speak with you tonight after things settle down.” Both men moved away from Rock, but the one stopped next to her and looked at her.
For a minute, Beth could have sworn he was in her head searching, but when she blinked, he was moving out of the hidden cavern.
“She is worthy of you, Lucas. You have done well with your family,” the one strange human-like man said, but Beth didn’t know if his words had been spoken out loud or in their heads.
Beth stared at the door where they had disappeared until behind her she heard the most beautiful sound ever. “Beth,” Rock’s voice was rough and low. She spun around to see him staring at her. His hand opened and waited for hers.
“ROCK,” she cried as Beth rushed to his side kissing his face. “You scared the living shit out of me. Don’t do that again,” Beth placed her head onto his chest and cried, tired and scared.
“Aww, Beth don’t cry, it will get better,” Rock rubbed her back. comforting her while he was at death’s door. She wiped the tears and straightened, looking at Lucas.
“Let me go clean up our room and you can bring Rock back there. I’ll have Lancelot bring us super in our room. I think everyone should be brought into the castle, Edward, Dred. The pack isn’t safe out there. Hell I don’t know if this place is sa
fe anymore.” She sighed and kissed Rock’s cheek.
“I love you, Rock.” She turned to leave, but Lucas wrapped his arm around her.
“You’re not going anywhere without us. The room is cleaned and fixed.” One minute they were in the chamber, the next Lucas had transported them back to their personal quarters. Rock was tucked into their bed, pillows propped up behind him.
But looking around the room, Beth shivered as the image of the gargoyles standing over Rock’s unconscious body flashed through her head. Even the smell of their skin burning drifted to her.
All Beth’s life she had been taught to cherish life and at all cost she tried to avoid killing. This was the second time she had to use her gifts to kill and she did not like it. She grabbed her stomach. “Oh my God, I’m going to be sick.” Beth ran to the bathroom and just made it before the contents in her stomach came up.
The room spun, sweat started to drip down her face and sting her eyes as it dropped into them all the while she heaved. “So sorry,” Beth whispered to herself over and over again.
“Don’t move!” she heard Lucas yell to Rock before he knelt beside her. He gathered her hair and a cold compress was applied to the back of her neck. “You did what you had to, My Heart. You saved yourself and Rock. There was no other way,” he tried to reassure her, but still the guilt ate at her.
When her stomach had stopped revolting, Beth glanced back at Lucas. Worry and anger, his expression grim, but what also caught her attention was the small black shadow that Beth thought had totally disappeared when he had claimed her.
“I killed them, Lucas. I actually killed something,” she shivered again and leaned against the tub when her body had stopped its heaving. “I was taught to cherish life,” Beth whispered as she reached up and cupped his cheek. “The darkness is back, isn’t it?”
“It never leaves, My Heart. It is part of me and I’m thinking right now it’s time it came out.” Lucas bent over and scooped her up into his arms, hugging her tight. “The threat to your life only increases the presence of the dark shadow. Like you, I have been taught to keep it hidden, but I’m wondering if it might help us bring an end to this mess.” His hot breath on her neck was her only warning before he sank his teeth into her, taking her substance into him. Once more Lucas marked her, claimed her and possessed her.
* * *
Edward stood at the door to the bathroom and met Lucas’ black eyes. Yes, Beth was right. The darkness was close in both of them. They had come too close to losing her and Rock today. Something has changed and not for the better. Edward glanced behind him to see Dred handing Rock a bottle of water. As if sensing Edwards stare, Dred looked over at him and nodded.
The castle was on lock down and extra guards were posted all throughout the castle. The threat outside was gone thanks to Lucas, but for how long Edward didn’t know. But one thing was for certain, something did not add up. There was someone close to them who had to betraying them, but who was the question?
Why all of a sudden did the protection from Raynard and the Yeehaws disappear? Once more Edward turned to glance back at Beth and Lucas to see them right behind him. Her head rested on his chest. “Lucas is right. You did what you had to, Beth. We need to make a trip back to her house and find out what is going on with Raynard and the other beings. Maybe your father experienced something like this before and there are notes on it?”
Beth frowned, her gaze drifted around the room. “They aren’t gone, they’re hiding. I still feel their presence, but something has frightened them into staying silent. It’s like they are watching, waiting and if that is the case.” She turned to glance at him, and the fright in her face had him furious.
“Nothing will take you, Beth. I will die before I allow that to happen.” Lucas nodded and scanned the room.
“She is right. We are being watched here. It’s time we move this fight to somewhere I know that is protected,” Lucas said, his attention once more on Edward. “I would take us to my retreat. No one has ever broken the security I’ve set up, including my family.” He grinned. “My brother always asked to be invited, but I refused him and I’m glad I had. From there we can monitor everything and plan.”
“Are you certain this place hasn’t been compromised while you slept? It’s obvious your brother is one step ahead of us.” Edward hated to state the obvious, but their lives were in danger.
“I’ve been going over every inch of the place. All security has held, Konrad has no idea where this place is. No one does. I didn’t inform anyone, not even my parents, but for now I think just the five of us should go.” Lucas looked over at Dred and Rock. Both of them nodded.
“My betas can run things here. If we can keep in contact, I think this would be best until we figure out what who is betraying us,” Dred snarled.”
“So be it, but I would like Beth’s father’s books brought to this place so we can go over them. You will have to inform your guests we will be leaving. Has the council decided yet if they’re going to call out the Dizoolexa?
“No, and our guest have left. After they healed Rock, they were called back for another session seeing that some other forces have joined my brother,” Lucas stated, sitting down on the couch. “No one can hear us now, but this will only hold for a little while. We have people waiting for us. It seems someone from the Gray Cities wishes to speak with us. I’ve sent the contents of Beth’s father’s study to my home, but I believe we should hear what the King has to say. We can’t risk having other planets angry at us. It would just further my brother’s cause.”
Edward leaned against the wall. “Are they here or do we go there? I know all of this has to be wearing you down.” Edward could tell that Lucas was using far too much of his powers. Lucas’ skin was pale and he hadn’t bothered to hide his fangs since feeding off of Beth.
“I’ll be fine, and the King has come here. He is waiting outside along with a few of his men,” Lucas said nuzzling Beth’s neck.
“Do not feed from her again, she is already weak. Come here Lucas and take what you need from me.” Edward stated, earning him a glare from Lucas.
“I’m not that ignorant, Edward. I know she is weak. Lancelot is bringing a tray with all her and Rock’s favorites to the Great Hall. I figured we could eat while we hear what the King has to say. Rock is okay to sit up, but he must stay off his feet for the rest of the day.” Lucas stood and placed Beth onto the couch before he stood in front of him smiling.
“It’s been a couple of days since I’ve fed from you. Are you sure you are up to it, my king?” Lucas teased and he laughed.
“Don’t push it, Lucas. You know damn well I am,” Edward grumbled and bared his neck for him, but before he fed, Lucas covered his mouth with his, kissing him. Inside Edward’s mouth, they battled for domination with their tongues, the kiss hard and meant to punish. Lucas broke away and stared at him.
“What has happened? Tell me,” Edward demanded, knowing he was keeping
something back, but before Lucas said anything he bent his head and sank his fangs into his neck, feeding. He took what he needed knowing Edward had fed before coming back to their quarters.
On the couch, Beth was curled up on Dred’s lap with a pad of paper and a pen in her lap frowning as she scribbled some things down. Edward was about to ask her what was wrong when Lucas sealed the holes and stepped back.
His color was back, but his expression was hard. “The council does not want me to join them. They want me to take over leadership once more, but not here.” Lucas said, his gaze on him. “With the different species wanting to join us, they believe the humans can’t handle knowing what is out there. They want us to take up leadership on my world.”
The room was quiet and all of their gazes were on him. Edward had known this was coming. Even his father had pulled him aside and informed him of the whispers. Sighing, Edward nodded. “I knew this was coming. The council is right. Humans can’t deal with gargoyles, dragons and whatever is out there. They freaked out whe
n we came out and still are having problems with it. Not to mention the fact that there are shifters on their world too that the humans are unaware of.” Edward walked away from the wall and sat down on the couch next to Dred.
“So you would be the king, but rule from your planet or wherever this place is? Is that what they want?” Edward asked as Beth slowly crawled into his lap, hugging him.
“You would still rule Earth, Edward, but they want me as ruler of all our people, not just those here. But yes, we would both be working from my home. Well, I hope it would be our home.” Lucas looked at Beth. “I’m sorry, My Heart, but your visits to your home will have to wait for a while for things settle down. Would you like me to bring anything from there? I’d be happy to send it to our new home.” He asked knowing this was going to be a huge change for their woman.
She hadn’t said anything while they had spoken, just watched and listened. “Beth, what’s going on in that head of yours?” Edward kissed the side of it and she grinned.
“Things aren’t adding up, but I agree with Lucas we’re not safe here anymore. I believe with both of you ruling, it will ease some of the tension with your people. It could be a good thing. The two of you get along great anyway and it’s not like you’ll be stepping down per se, but the idea of living someplace other than Earth does scare the shit out of me.” She pointed at Lucas. “And I better have my coffee. Do you think Lancelot will come? I’ll miss his cooking. And what about our personal assistants, Avril and yours Edward?”
“For now I want everyone to stay here. As for your coffee, I’ll make sure you have it,” Lucas laughed. “If Lancelot wants to come later when we know he is in the clear, then by all means he will be welcomed. But for now, I don’t want anyone with us. I believe we can handle cooking for a few weeks, yes?” Lucas said and Beth smiled.
“Hell yeah! I’ve been afraid to step on Lancelot’s toes, but I love to cook!” Beth said and they all laughed, but stopped when they heard a high piercing whistle.
Training a Wife Page 8
