by Alanea Alder
She placed her hands on his shoulders and rose up, feeling him slide from her, before relaxing her legs and dropping down on him again. As she rode him, she realized that her legs weren't even straining. She felt like she could easily do this for hours. Groaning at the thought, she rocked her hips, enjoying how he felt deep inside her.
She liked to think that her stamina was due to long hours in the gym, but she knew she would never have been able to do this before being claimed by Ari. He had not only soothed her battered heart, but also strengthened her body.
She set a slow pace. Unlike before, she was able to see his face and the effect she was clearly having on him. His head was thrown back, and his eyes were closed. When he licked his lips, she leaned in and reclaimed them. He lowered his head and opened his eyes at the first touch of her lips. Never breaking eye contact, they teased and tormented one another. He pulled back, grinning. "There's no part of you that doesn't flat out do it for me, baby," he admitted. "I could spend the rest of eternity kissing you."
She wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him close. "You're the only one who has ever touched my heart," she confessed. "You scare me to death, Ari."
His low growl was her only warning as his hands wrapped around her waist. He stepped forward and used the wall to pin her in place, which allowed the snapping of his hips to increase the pace.
"Mine!" he snarled and buried his teeth in her shoulder.
The moment her body registered the pain, everything tightened low in her body, causing him to repeatedly plunge over that elusive spot she could never quite get to on her own.
She screamed out her ecstasy as his body spun hers out of control. He pulled away from her shoulder and thrust into her one final time. Breathing heavily, he rested his forehead on her shoulder.
"Gods above, I love you," he whispered with ragged breath.
"And I you," she said, holding him as close to her body as she could. She'd have to get Rathais to order more weapons for her, because there was no way in hell she was losing this man.
Chapter Fifteen
Much to Brie's embarrassment they were the last to arrive to dinner. Leo simply gave her a wink and held out her chair for her. She kissed his cheek. "I love this dressing gown as well. You have impeccable tastes."
Leo looked pleased as he flushed at her praise. "It was a simple thing really."
"Is that comfy?" Meryn asked.
She nodded. "It feels like a nightgown, but looks fancy."
Meryn closed her eyes, and a moment later her sweats and tee changed to a gown similar to hers but in shades of gold. She opened her eyes. "I could get used to this. They're even better than the dress robes, and I thought those were good for being formal."
"Leo?" Rex said.
Leo nodded. "Ryuu and I have brought all the food to the sideboard, which will eliminate running back and forth to the kitchen. You're free to secure the room."
Rex looked at Kendrick. A moment later there was a familiar pulse, and Brie knew the room had been soundproofed.
Meryn was shaping her mashed potatoes on her plate to act as a barrier between her collards and her meat. "So what'dja need us for?"
Aiden looked at his mate, surprised. "How did you know?"
She pointed to Rex with her fork. "He asked me to invite myself. I was gonna pass, but then he said they were having London Broil, so it was a no-brainer to come."
Brie lifted her wine glass, and Leo was at her side in a moment. "Red, white, or rosé?"
"Red, please." She turned to Rex. "And I saw you silence Declan and Ari in the queen's chambers when you placed your hand on their shoulders."
Rex exhaled. "We may have a tiny problem."
Jedrek snorted, then growled low.
Meryn pointed to him with her fork. "I know that growl. Council or Committee?"
Jedrek gave a short nod. "Both, in a way."
Meryn picked up a roll and pulled the insides out of it before stuffing it with collards and mashed potatoes. "Most of the council are good peeps. So it has to be the Committee."
Jedrek looked exhausted. "You're absolutely right, Meryn. Most that serve as Elders are good men, however, we do answer to our people, mostly the Founding and Noble families. We may have personal opinions on things, but we still have to represent the general consensus of those we stand for."
Meryn blinked. "Douchebag by proxy?"
Rex covered his face with his hand chuckling as Jedrek turned to his mate. "I don't know how to respond to that."
Catherine rolled her eyes. "Actually, Meryn, that is a perfect term."
Aiden lifted his wine glass. "For example, after the last attack on Lycaonia, nearly every member of the council was being pressured to secure Keelan's body for observation, to determine that he wasn't a threat." He gritted his teeth. "Father had a hard time going against the Witches' Council that wanted him shipped back to Storm Keep. If Kendrick hadn't shown up, he may have had to capitulate."
Rex looked to Meryn. "We'll take it one step further. Founding and Noble families speak for the people that look to them. So, if a large majority of people are pressuring their Founding and Noble Family Heads, they in turn pressure the Elders, who bring up issues in council. For issues impacting all four pillar cities, all four councils weigh in and so on."
Meryn winced. "Sounds too complicated to me."
Kari sipped her water then turned to Jedrek. "What exactly is being said, Father?"
Jedrek straightened a little and was suddenly all smiles at Kari calling him 'Father'. "The Gods must have known we'd need you here, little one." He eyed Declan. "You're welcome as well." Catherine whacked her mate's shoulder as he smiled at his son. Declan smiled back. "Father, I've missed your dry sense of humor."
Kari reached under the table and pulled out a tablet from her bag. Seeing this, Meryn also reached down under her seat and grabbed her laptop, setting it in her lap. Kari held up her digital pen. "Start with the most pressing issue, and we will go from there."
Jedrek nodded. "The council heard about the vote of No Confidence, and they are calling for a review of actions leading up to the murders." He eyed Aiden. "The unit warriors are also under review. The Committee stepped forward and brought up the fact they themselves had questions in how things were being done back when Lycaonia was attacked."
Aiden began to growl low in his throat. Jedrek smiled and shook his head. "Like father, like son. I believe your father is hosting a similar dinner right now with Lycaonia's council members trying to line up arguments for what happened within the city."
Meryn blinked. "Is that why Uncle Celyn wasn't at the palace?"
Rex nodded. "He was needed to keep your father from exploding."
Aiden snarled. "I'm stuck here and cannot be there to answer for my own actions."
Rex held up a finger. "That's where we come in." He looked at Kari. "Magnus and I feel it best I stay here. Dagda and Alastair have both assured Magnus that after what happened in Noctem Falls, Aiden and Meryn could do no wrong in their peoples' eyes, so I can remain here to assist."
Kari covered her mouth as she smiled. "I feel sorry for anyone that says something even slightly bad about Meryn in Noctem Falls."
Meryn blushed furiously as she began to sculpt shapes in her potatoes.
Kari tapped on her tablet. "That leaves Lycaonia, Èire Danu, and Storm Keep. Let us start with Èire Danu. In addition to the No Confidence, what else is being said?"
Rex sat back. "Until tonight, most of the citizens did not want Brie involved in the search for their people." He tilted his head. "Though that may change drastically after this evening. They weren't anticipating that your heroic efforts would save over one hundred fae lives, all who are currently singing your praises, Meryn too. The queen didn't disclose Meryn's efforts without reason; we'll need the survivors support in the days to come."
"Who are the council members here?" Meryn asked.
Jedrek pointed to his chest. "There's myself, Godwyn Vi'Aileanach, Frederi
c Géroux, and Lucius Hollyhock."
Kendrick snarled at the witch's name. "Hollyhock was a born bootlicker. He doesn't have two brain cells to rub together. If he says anything it's because that's what he was programed to say by the Witches' Council."
Rex nodded. "We know."
Brie looked to her mate. "Aileanach and Géroux sound familiar."
Ari gave a half nod. "Géroux should sound familiar because that's Bastien's family. Gage comes from the Noble family that serves under Géroux. Aileanach is Tyrien's surname."
Meryn winced. "Are they mad because of me?"
Jedrek shook his head. "Quite the contrary, Godwyn is very much a fan of yours, Meryn. He feels that his younger brother needs to grow up, and his actions that led to Bastien's assault was the last straw as far as he was concerned." He looked at Brie. "He was very grateful for how you spoke to his mate. He said your clear statements regarding what was being done made it possible for her to move forward in her grief. He was stuck in Lycaonia when the trees screamed their pain and couldn't be at her side. He supports all your efforts."
"That's a welcome surprise," she admitted.
"Would we be remiss in assuming we have Frederic's support?" Aiden asked.
"You would not. Even if it weren't for the direct orders from his prince, the Géroux's have always supported the warriors. They, more than any other vampiric line has had the most sons become warriors. You sealed their support when you brought Jean-Marc home," Jedrek said, admiration in his voice.
Aiden stared down into his wine. "That was so long ago. I can't believe that single action carries so much weight."
Jedrek along with Catherine, Rex, Kendrick, and even Leo simply stared. Rex started to say something, but Jedrek help up a hand. "Aiden, son. I feel like I have to address this as your father isn't here to explain. I know you feel as though most respect you because of your father, and that's understandable, they are some mighty shoes to fill." He waved at his sons. "It's something I am aware of as a father. But what you don't understand is that it is your own actions that have led to the towering esteem the warriors feel for you."
He paused. "What do you remember of feral attacks before you took over as Unit Commander?"
Aiden shook his head. "Not much. Just that they were like wild animals, not to let them corner you, and some grew in strength after turning."
Jedrek shook his head. "This should have been explained, but I can see why it wasn't. You were so young when you took over." He took a long sip of his wine, then sighed. He looked at Leo. Instantly, the squire pulled a small bottle from the sideboard cabinet and hurried to the Elder's side. The first splash of golden liquid filled the room with the faint scent of apples. He continued. "Before you took over as Unit Commander. Before that fateful day where we lost an entire unit, things were different for the warriors. Yes, they ran patrols and yes, they did drills, but unlike now, their deaths were very different. Before you, Aiden, any warrior that fell to a feral had their mutilated bodies impaled and put on display. Retrieving them was impossible, as each body was essentially a deadly ambush or trap."
Brie felt bile crawl up the back of her throat. Ari handed her some water. She drank some gratefully. Every younger person at the table looked shocked.
Aiden looked furious. "They don't do that now! Why was it accepted before?!" he demanded.
Jedrek held up a single finger. "They don't do that now because of you, my boy."
Aiden's mouth open and closed repeatedly.
"Aiden, you went back for the dead. Do you remember the night you killed over twenty ferals single handedly? For once, they were the ones being ripped apart as your bear defended his brothers." Jedrek smiled sadly. "Darren was one of the warriors that was assigned feral clean up. They found your broken sword stabbed through a feral and buried so deep into a tree it took him and another warrior to remove it. When your sword broke, you evidently started using feral body parts to kill the others. You inadvertently did to them what they had been doing to warriors for centuries, and you scared the hell out of them. Those that survived spread their terror of you to the next animal-like creature until ferals stopped their barbaric practices out of sheer fear of you."
"Oh my god," Meryn whispered.
Aiden turned to her, panicked that his bloody rampage may have upset her. "Baby…"
She looked up at him, her eyes bright. "You're so hot."
"Huh?"
"Sooooo hot," she sighed as she eyed him up and down.
"Baby, your kittenish ways after hearing about bloodshed is equal parts disturbing and arousing," Aiden admitted.
Jedrek chuckled. "She's a perfect match for the Unit Commander that scared decency into every feral in existence."
"Do you understand now, Aiden? It wasn't just that you fought. You brought back your fallen brothers safely. They were the first to receive a warriors funeral since the Great War. Before your rampage, a killed warrior would receive a small ceremony, but nobody was laid to rest. For someone your age, you probably never questioned the closed caskets.
Today, the warriors, and by extension the Géroux's, follow you without question because if they have to die, they are going to die at your side, where they know they'll be safe, even in death."
Aiden bowed his head and rested his forehead on steepled fingers in front of him. "I never knew," he whispered.
"Neither did we," Ari admitted, his eyes shining bright.
Rex looked at his younger brother. "We did. The older generation, we made sure you took your direction from us. Aiden McKenzie was to be supported at every turn. It practically became an unspoken vow amongst the warriors."
"How do you know of it?" Ari asked.
"I told him," Declan admitted softly. "Adriel relayed to me a similar story when I became a member of Eta. Evidently, that story has been passed to every warrior after Aiden became Unit Commander."
Meryn stood and ducked down so she could wedge her head under Aiden's arm and climb into his lap. Aiden pressed his fingers to his eyes to manfully wipe his tears and kissed Meryn's head. "I don't deserve my brothers."
"You deserve every ounce of support you've gotten and more," Jedrek refuted. "Your sheer strength of character and will radiated from that horrible event. You not only cemented your own position, but also your father's. By stepping up as Unit Commander, Byron could concentrate his efforts on the council level and your two older brothers could finally start the programs they had been dreaming of to further support the units. Everything comes back to you." Jedrek eyed his own sons. "It'd be nice to see a Lionhart excel in a similar fashion."
Rex, Declan, and Ari rolled their eyes in unison. Brie smiled, she had seen Catherine do the exact same thing multiple times now, she knew exactly where they had gotten it from.
"You'll just have to settle for one of us becoming the youngest Elder since the pillar cities' inception," Rex drawled.
"Or a son who is the right hand to both the ranking unit leader of Noctem Falls and the Prince himself," Declan continued.
Ari remained silent at her side. "And then there's Ari who manages to do all of that and more in Èire Danu," she added.
Ari swung to her. "I do not."
Brie scowled up at her own mate and started ticking off everything he was responsible for. "Even Brennus admits that you are the unit leader here and the men agree. You manage your unit with four men instead of five, allowing Brennus to function as the queen's Consort. The men have told me that you are like Aiden in updating and improving drills. Every time someone needs something done that concerns the Lionharts, they come to you, and you arrange everything." She crossed her arms in front of her. "You are like a combination of Aiden, Rex, and Declan and it's time you and others realize that."
Ari rubbed the top of his head. "I'm just…"
"Amazing," she finished.
"Of course he is. I tell him that all the time," Rex interjected.
"Yeah, Ari may be the baby, but the only thing that signifies is exactly how incredib
le he is. I hadn't accomplish half as much at his age," Declan admitted.
Ari looked from one brother to the other. Aiden cuddled his mate. "Not easy to hear, is it?" he asked.
Ari shook his head. "I always felt like I scattered my efforts and fell short constantly."
Jedrek coughed to hide his embarrassment. "I know I give you boys grief, but it's because I know you're capable of so much." He smiled and wrapped his arm around his mate. "I mean, look who you have for a mother."
Ari and his brothers nodded, agreeing. "True," they echoed.
"Oh, really!" Catherine shook her head. "That's enough gloom and doom at the table. Let's fill them in on the rest so we can eat this wonderful meal in peace." She smiled around the table, then frowned as her eyes went from place setting to place setting. Declan, Ari, and Meryn had food-smeared empty plates. Both Nigel and Neil looked up, cheeks pouched out like chipmunks, their forks laden with meat frozen in front of their faces and Ryuu and Leo were in the process of adding meat slices to Meryn and Declan's plates. "Oh, dear."
Jedrek simply threw his head back and laughed. "Let the kids eat, Catherine."
Kari turned to the Lionhart matriarch. "Please continue, Mother."
"Humph!" She punched Jedrek's leg as he continued to chuckle. "At council level, Elders are obligated to review concerns sent in by their citizens. With so many worried about the breach in Éire Danu, the Committee has officially gotten involved."
Kendrick turned to Catherine. "Are they the same members that visited Lycaonia?"
She nodded. "They are, of course without the treacherous Adalwin. He was replaced by Grier Larkspur."
"Oh yeah, I forgot he literally shriveled up and died," Meryn snort laughed.
"Meryn," Aiden chided gently.
"What do you feel the Committee is after?" Kari asked.
Catherine tapped her lips. "Power, pure and simple. If they crumble the foundation that supports the unit warriors, they could then move in their own personal guards that report only to them. We'd return to the way of life we had before the Great War. People would have to walk the line or you'd face the ferals because the guards that are meant to keep you safe report to those pulling the strings. The creation of the unit warriors was the single greatest thing to come from such a horrible war. Whoever came up with the idea of mixed race units to achieve true neutrality was a genius."
