Crimson Ties

by V L Moon

  Tears streamed down Tobias’s face as he ran to the mouth of the first set of caves and listened for Sage. He wouldn’t fail her too. He wouldn’t leave her alone when she obviously needed him. If it hadn’t been for her, Tobias would have been swallowed by the same pit of despair that had taken his parents. There wouldn’t have been anything left of him to give Roman. He’d have died right along with Khad.

  Soft sobs drew him deeper into the cave’s mouth, and Tobias followed, letting his wolf’s senses guide him until the ghostly figure of his cousin came into view. Tucked between a pair of monolithic rock formations, Sage’s petite form shook from the force of her tears. So lost in her own misery, she failed to sense Tobias until he gently eased her against him and held her tight. Her tears ran hot, soaking his bare chest. Tobias never spoke, just waited until Sage’s grip on him eased and her body went limp.

  Lowering them both onto the cave floor, Tobias leaned against the smoothest surface he could find and cradled Sage against him. He held her and let her sleep. Her body still trembled with fright. He calmed her terrors by running his fingers through the snowy white strands of her beautiful hair. He watched over her as she slept with a frown on his face.

  Whoever had upset her was going to pay. Sage wasn’t just his cousin. She was an Omega, a rare and very precious wolf whose genteel qualities ran throughout both her wolf and human forms. With a unique ability to calm many an ill will or tempered storm that so often erupted within the Packs, she was a gift; a pure and beautiful soul who should be cherished.

  Ever since Khurn had shown an interest in dating and then mating Sage, Tobias had kept a close watch over his blooded cousin. He didn’t trust the sanctioned Alpha, even though Sage claimed he was very sweet to her. Something about Khurn made Tobias uneasy. He’d tried to voice his concerns to his own father, but got shot down. Jorn claimed they needed Khurn, and Tobias couldn’t argue with that.

  Khurn, an Alpha of European descent, babysat, for want of a better word, a more volatile pack; one that constantly needed to be reined in and kept on a straight path to stop them from turning rogue. The all-male pack consisted of at least twelve unmated and overthrown former Alpha. Under Jorn’s jurisdiction, they sought solace together rather than live as solitary wolves. Khurn worked in conjunction with Tobias’s father to keep them from ripping each other apart. It worked for the most part. But lately, Tobias had been hearing rumors, reports from other wolves that feared Khurn was taking his status as guardian too far. It was one more thing on the list that kept Tobias awake at night.

  In his arms, Sage stirred and opened those stunningly beautiful eyes of hers. The smile she gave him was weak at best. Tobias feared he’d kill the bastard who’d hurt her. “You going to tell me what went down this time, or make excuses for him again?” Tobias tried to be firm but it never worked with Sage. Nothing did.

  She could melt a heart with just a look, have a man hooked and pleading from the moment they met. Why she’d fallen for Khurn stumped Tobias. She had the pick of the Packs’ males and had left many broken hearted males behind when she mated Khurn Arin.

  Sage pushed herself up from his lap, and Tobias growled in warning when the sleeve of her knitted dress slipped to reveal a line of fingertip bruises running along her upper arm and across her neck.

  “Why haven’t you shifted form to heal these?” he asked. “And, more to the point, what the fuck happened to mark you so badly. It looks like…,” Tobias cut off his next line of words when the visual slammed into his frontal lobe like a cattle truck.

  “God,” he groaned. “Please, Sage, he shouldn’t be so rough with you. You don’t deserve to be treated like that; unless you like it. Then hell, I’m sorry and I’ll butt out. Just please tell me you’re okay.” Tobias felt physically sick. Khurn was a fucking animal, a brute. He should think himself lucky to have someone like Sage. Tobias wanted to kill him, and would, for Sage.

  The soft press of her palm to his cheek broke Tobias from his reverie. “Khurn’s my mate Toby. I chose him, allowed him to claim me. It’s my duty to take his side. Things get a little rough at times, but he’s a big man. He’s never had to be gentle so it’s all new to him, and me. Please don’t worry, I’ll be fine. I just needed some time out, and it’s been so long since I’ve been down here. Since Khad. I wonder what he’d look like now.” Sage forced a laugh and pulled Tobias to his feet.

  “I bet he’d have been a right ladies’ man with all that blonde hair of his and a smile to die for….” The words trailed off, and Tobias took Sage’s hand. “It never gets any easier does it? Even now I lie awake at night wondering what happened, who took him. All of the what ifs.”

  And, for Tobias, it would always hurt. He’d loved having a little brother, watching over Khad as he made his first shift, and then taking him on his first run. Khad had been a natural, taking off after rabbits and wearing himself out before coming back; kill in his mouth and its blood coating his snout. Damn it. Tobias had been so fucking proud of Khad that day.

  “It’s ok to think of him you know, T. You are allowed. Your mom and dad, I bet they think of Khad all the time. They just deal with it in their own way. It’s just not the same as ours. Don’t become like them. Don’t become cold. I don’t think your boyfriend would like it.” Sage blushed at her own words and took off for the mouth of the cave.

  By the time Tobias caught up with her, she’d changed forms and took off running like a streak of white lightening. Tobias shifted and headed out in hot pursuit. He could afford a few hours with his cousin to hunt and feed before finishing up the last of the details for the upcoming ceremony where he’d get to see Roman and maybe steal him away.

  By the time Tobias and Sage padded back to the den, darkness draped the landscape. Sage seemed nervous. Her ears were back and her thoughts were silent. She’d closed herself off and seemed distracted. Khurn’s appearance on the borders of the den confirmed Tobias’s suspicions. The male had been waiting for her to return. Tobias shifted and walked naked alongside Sage’s white wolf. Khurn greeted him according to his status and lowered his gaze.

  Yeah, know your place, mutt. Tobias received a playful nip from Sage for his thoughts. He ruffled the dazzling pelt of her coat and looked into those miss matched eyes. You need me…ever, you just howl and I’ll be there. Tobias sent and made his way to his father’s home. There was work to be done, and with a King to appease and an Alpha to impress, none of it would be easy. The only thing that got Tobias through the shit was the thought of Roman De Sangue and the cunningly dark smirk that played on his face when he wanted Tobias seated balls deep inside of him.

  ”What I wouldn’t give to tap that sweet ass right fucking now,” Tobias grumbled and walked straight into the unmovable wall of his father’s muscled chest.

  “Someone we should know, lad? I take it that statement’s the reason your mother’s in such a tizzy. She can’t hear your thoughts. She says you’re hiding from her. Be warned. Whoever the minx is, she better be good enough for an Alpha’s son. This will all be yours one day. Make sure it’s someone that can keep up. Now, go wash up. Dinner’s on the table, and we need to talk about Denali and what I’m to expect on entering his court.”

  The authority in his father’s voice never wavered. It never did, even when talking to his son. Tobias often wondered what actually ran through the cold bastard’s veins. But then, when you had the welfare of your Pack and that of every other wolf shifter in the world under your jurisdiction, Tobias doubted that there was time for him to care about the smaller things. Like his other kid, who, by the way, was doing everything he could to make his father proud. At least until he finds out you’re mounting a vamp, and a male one at that. God he was screwed.

  Jorn studied his closed expression. “Not everything is as easy, or as cut and dry as you think, Tobias. It’s a big world out there. What we have here is but a small part. Don’t let that fool you into thinking we’re not wise to what goes on outside of our own home. We just choose to keep to our
selves, until the threat knocked at our door. No fucker, winged or otherwise, messes with what’s mine. Not again.”

  The words held more emotion than Tobias had heard in a very long time. His chest ached. All he wanted at that moment was to throw his arms around his father’s thick neck and hold him like he did all those years ago when he’d been a small and innocent child. But, he was a man, and if his father saw that weakness in him, that neediness to be wanted, loved, or to be seen as his son, he’d probably kick his ass and run him out of town.

  Sidestepping around his father, Tobias averted his eyes, even though he wanted desperately to look up and see love or pride or possibly both reflected back at him. But, the fear of seeing that same empty gaze stole away the bravado of the moment. Tobias walked away, or attempted to, until his father’s thick meaty fist dragged him back by the scruff of his neck.

  “You’re all we have left, pup. Don’t let status blind you to what’s in front of your face. It’s not so easy to get a second chance.” Trapped by his Alpha father’s words and his grasp, Tobias fought back the tears of pride filling his eyes. His father loved him. The hole in his gut eased a bit. He just hoped it stayed that way after he declared his love for a man.

  ~*~*~*~

  Chapter Sixteen

  ~*~*~*~

  Italy

  Huddled in the furthest corner of the room, Lorenza struggled to stay awake. Darklon’s latest attempt to force himself upon her had left her fearful for the unborn child growing inside of her. As she stroked the swell of her stomach, Laziel listened to the heartbeat of Lachi’s offspring. He smiled at the sound of its frantic pace as it strove to survive. Enamored by the thought Lachi was to become a father, Laziel wondered how the volatile male would take the news once he heard of his impending responsibility.

  Laziel yearned for Lachi, and he knew without doubt the vampire would excel in his role as a parent. That thought alone gifted his celestial heart with joy. Gently, so as not to harm the growing soul, Laziel pushed the joy of the celestial light into the child and eased back when his female form began to relax.

  As one entity, Laziel had always loathed taking his feminine form. Even though it served a purpose to do so, he feared the feminine surge of emotions would one day consume the more masculine part of him. As it came to pass, the vampire preferred Laziel in male form and demanded he stay as such, much to Laziel’s approval. For centuries, Laziel cavorted in his masculine form, growing from the powerful energy that fuelled his celestial light and gave his blood the flavor Lachi so adamantly craved.

  In Laziel’s form, the Seraphim knew nothing could challenge his prowess, and only he could take the brutal force of Lachi’s brand of love. A love he craved with an avid ferocity that threatened to drive him crazy with need.

  It didn’t help matters that every time he cracked open an eye, he was met with the know it all smirk of Vischeral Bourne. Creator help him, he wanted to wipe the cocky grin off of the smug fucker’s face. Yet, a part of Laziel was glad Bourne was safe. There were parts of Bourne’s life Laziel held secret. They would come to fruition in time. But, stuck in a cell with Vischeral’s face as a constant reminder, Laziel solemnly wished the past they shared had been a different one. Maybe then, Laziel wouldn’t feel like throwing up every time he saw Vischeral’s face.

  Bourne had been a threat, a real one, with those deadly dark eyes and kissable, comely lips; lips Lachi had kissed. And, given the abnormal strength of his mental will, it was little wonder Lachi had succumbed to his allure. Hell even Darklon, as old and powerful as he was had fallen foul to Bourne’s alluring dark charm.

  A pained groan slipped from Loz’s lips. Because he was a celestial, Laziel had feelings that ran deeper than those of mere mortals, or even the most powerful of preternatural beings. Even angels such as Laziel felt doubt and the fearful bitter bite of jealousy. And Bourne had always been that one person to stoke the fire of Laziel’s dreaded emotional burdens.

  If Lachi ever knew…

  “Lachi.” The name slipped breathlessly through feminine lips. Creator help him, he missed his male; missed the feral nature of the beast he believed himself to be and the unbridled strength of being held in Lachi’s arms. Laziel needed him, craved him with a passion and yearned desperately for just a touch, the crack of a whip, or a taste of those beautiful lips. Just to hear his name whispered on Lachi’s lips as he slept wrapped in the soft caress of Laziel’s mighty wings would be enough to get him through the torture, through anything Darklon or any other could throw his way. He’d suffer it all gladly to keep his vampire safe.

  A soft sob followed by a breathless whimper turned Laziel’s thoughts toward his female form. Loz’s body trembled and arced slowly as the feel of wings danced along her spine. Laziel wouldn’t allow them to unfurl. He couldn’t. Darklon wasn’t far away, and the risk of being discovered was potentially life threatening to the unborn child. Summoning his will, he eased away the need to spread their wings and fly. He was fighting a never ending battle with his own body just to survive. He didn’t need to be kept against his will by Darklon. He was already a prisoner, trapped by the divine conception growing inside his female form.

  More sobs, but when he heard them, Laziel knew they didn’t belong to him.

  This was going to be bad.

  Whispered words of love followed by more sobs and the sound of shuffling feet held Laziel’s attention. He listened to Darklon as the Elder poured out his heart to the shrine he’d created to Vischeral. Torn pictures drifted to the floor when Darklon’s misery took over and sent the vampire spiraling into oblivion.

  His failure in breaking Vischeral’s will and inability to win his love infuriated the Elder. Darklon blamed Lachi for all of it. In Darklon’s world, he believed Lachi took Vischeral away from him, that they shared a love that even Darklon as Vischeral’s sire couldn’t break. The knowledge drove the vampire to despair.

  Over the years, his want of Bourne’s affections had addled his brain, and in the end, his infatuation made the crazy Elder a lot more dangerous than any of them had ever expected. They’d been stupid, lazy in their ignorance of the depths of depravity residing in the confines of Darklon’s mind. Well he’d capitalized on their complacency. He’d shown them Laziel especially that even a celestial warrior or the guards he’d personally trained weren’t as infallible as Lachi or Laziel first believed.

  Darklon’s ramblings quickly descended into a whirlwind of fury. He crossed the floor, pacing with his fists clenched and eyes glowing like the embers of Hell. Laziel readied his mind and poured his life-force into the shell of his feminine form. Whatever demons possessed Darklon’s mind, they were taunting him and bringing on a rage so fierce Laziel wasn’t sure if Loz would be strong enough to hold back.

  If Lorenza’s feminine emotions took over, everything they’d worked toward, suffered for, would be for nothing. As an Elder, Darklon could project his thoughts to the other members of the Council, letting them know immediately that Loz was a ruse and the King they obeyed was guilty of treason. He couldn’t allow her feelings to rule. He needed the strength he received from Lachi to keep the walls of his will strong. Lachi was his anchor, his port in a storm and the only living thing on the Creator’s holy Earth that held the ability to love and destroy him.

  Laziel mentally blanched at the feel of Darklon’s hands wrapping around Loz’s hair. The deranged vampire dragged Loz’s body to the center of the room, maintaining the steady diatribe of verbal abuse he directed at Loz every time he entered the room. Darklon’s body practically thrummed with power as he spat his vile hatred of Lachi. When he spit in her face, Loz didn’t move. Keeping her eyes averted, Loz stayed silent and stoically still.

  The ragged clothes she still wore draped over her stomach, thankfully hiding the rounded, prominent swell. With a yank to her hair, Darklon forced her to look at him as he fed the torn pieces of Vischeral’s pictures into her mouth.

  “Does it choke you up to know your precious King lied? He doesn’
t love you, he can’t. Not when he’s still in love with the male I stole from his arms, and then sired before he had the chance. Does it eat at your soul wondering what if?” Darklon threw back his head and laughed harshly. “I bet it does. And, when I bring Bourne back and topple Malachi from his throne, Bourne will be mine. I’ll give him the throne along with anything else he desires. Bourne will bend. Believe me. When he finds out I have your precious Malachi locked up in chains, he’ll do whatever it takes to keep him safe. Just like that fucking angel of his.”

  Loz’s eyes widened. She spat out the pieces of paper he’d shoved in her mouth and looked up into cold dead eyes just as Darklon’s fist connected with her mouth.

  “I. SAID. EAT. BITCH.” He screamed before leaning down so they were face to face. “You might as well acquire a taste for my handsome coniuge. You’ll be seeing a lot of him once I bring him home. Hell, I might even offer him Malachi’s ass as a welcome home gift. Would you like that? To watch as my beautiful Vischeral mounts what used to be yours?” Spittle flew and madness danced in the air around them.

  “I bet you’d love it, watching as those two get it on. All that hard muscle, naked flesh and sweat. I wonder whose name your Lachi would call when my male fills that hole of his with all of his sweet hot come. I bet it won’t be yours sweetheart,” Darklon sneered. “Oh, he’ll be begging for Bourne every chance he gets. I’ll let Vischeral have him too, as often as he wants as long as he agrees to love me in return for my gift.”

  Darklon’s words evaporated into laughter. It rang around the room as he pushed Loz’s body across the floor and left her in a corner to rot. The Elder slammed from the room giving Laziel a measure of relief. The night’s torture was over for the time being.