Skarlet Kiss

by Elise Whyles

  Everyone froze at a roar that seemed to shake the very ground beneath their feet. Una twisted, her head lifting to search the sky for the source of the sound. She screamed as a hard hand in the middle of her back pushed her forward. Arms flaying wildly, Una closed her eyes as the flames spread around her, their touch licking at her flesh.

  Heat unlike any she’d felt before enveloped her. A single bead of sweat rolled down her face as she fell back, a soundless scream echoing in her head as her eyes widened on the image above her. Massive red wings spread across the sky, the light of the fire reflected off polished armor. As the fire enveloped her and darkness claimed her, she sighed. Liam had come for her.

  * * * *

  Liam roared in fury as he spotted the raging inferno. He could see the crowd gathered, smell the mixture of fear and loathing, the stench of unwashed bodies. But he paid little attention to anyone other than the naked woman standing so proudly on the edge of the yawning mouth of fire.

  Rising high above, he folded his wings, diving for her even as he saw a warrior shove her forward. He opened his jaws, molten fire spewing forth as he soared above them. Screams of rage and pain filled his ears. He circled, his gaze landing on Una’s prone figure. Flames danced along her flesh, embracing her, not devouring her. He could feel the tightening of his chest, feel the pounding of her heart, and knew any strength she had would not last long within the depths.

  Using his tail, he swatted at several of them standing on the edge of the fire. Their bodies flew away from the flames, landing in swirling clouds of dust and ash. Axe in hand, Liam spun, the weapon slicing through the crowd with ease.

  He swooped low, his forearms grabbing hold of her as he lifted above the flames. With her pressed against his body, Liam looked below. He caught sight of the misshapen being slithering away. He winced as the beast crawled over those running from the flames, crushing them beneath his massive weight. Anger flooded him as he watched its escape, his armor groaning in protest as he pushed his body to the limits.

  Circling, Liam landed with a thud, halting their escape. He gnashed his teeth at the squat little people who ran in the opposite direction. He paid them little attention as they scrambled into holes, their eyes glowing as they peeked out. Liam tucked Una to the side, his rage slowing as he stared at the quivering mass of flesh before him.

  “You dare to touch what is not yours.”

  Sweat rolled down his fat face. “Now, look, it was just a bit—”

  “It will not be her that burns, but you.” Sucking in a huge breath, Liam opened his jaws, white hot flames spewing forth. Smoke billowed skyward, the ground beneath their feet melting into a slow moving ooze.

  Grabbing Una, Liam headed upward, the hot air carrying them further and further from the carnage below. Accelerating, he headed for the portal, and safety.

  “Hang on, Una. Just hold on.”

  Chapter 12

  Moaning softly, Una rolled over, her palms flattening against the softness of a fur. Blinking her eyes, she squinted into the darkness. A small fire danced a few marks away. Beyond it, she could make out the hulking shape of a man. His head bowed, he sat staring at the blade in his hands.

  Her heart fluttered in her chest as she studied him. Beneath the hard exterior beat the hearts of a man who yearned for peace. Pushing herself to her knees, she sucked in a quick breath at the lightheaded feeling.

  “Ooh.” Una pressed a hand to her forehead and sank back into the bed.

  “Shh, little one. Just rest.” Liam’s soft rumble drifted over her a moment before his touch.

  Pain filled her chest, washing away any hint of weakness. She gasped and glanced down. Flames licked along the faint marks that trailed over her breasts. Marks that resembled wings surrounding eyes. Her trembling palm pressed against herself gave her the courage to breathe. It told her more than she wanted to know. What lay beneath her skin wasn’t a trick of the light, or a scar. It was part of her. A part written in blood, in bone, in the pounding heart beneath her hand.

  “Hungry.” Leaning on him, she struggled into a sitting position. “So hungry.”

  “I’ll get you something,” Liam promised, shifting away.

  “No.” Una grabbed his arm, her nails digging into his flesh. Every sense seemed to come alive. She could see and hear the pulse of his blood beneath his flesh, smell the richness of it, and it pulled on her hunger. On the need building in her. Wiping at her mouth, she barely felt the tip of a fang pierce her lip. Moaning softly at the taste of blood on her tongue, she licked her lips and looked into his eyes. “Hungry.”

  “Let me get you something.” Liam reached for her hand. “It’s just at the fire.”

  Una shook her head, her body trembling. She didn’t want food, she wanted…no, needed blood. Needed to taste it, to wallow in its richness like a fine wine. Silently pleading with him for understanding, she bent her head.

  The heavens above her opened with the swift glide of a tooth into his flesh. The first hit of blood more powerful than anything she’d ever known. Her tongue lapped at it gently, a soft purr rumbling from her chest as she moved closer. She could feel the heat of his body, the power in muscles tensed with shock. Beneath it though she could feel the matching beat of her heart. Feel the slow unwinding of fear and uncertainty. It was that which stirred her arousal, her body already starting to burn to have him touch her. An ache formed between her legs, the need to have him planted within her as strong as her thirst for his blood.

  “Una.” Tender, caring, his voice wrapped around her.

  Lifting her head, she licked at the blood clinging to her lips and stared at the ground. Shame filled her even as she felt her body’s hunger ease, her strength grow. She cringed when he shifted, squeezing her eyes shut so she wouldn’t have to see the scorn on his face.

  “I am sorry,” she whispered tightly. Her hands clenched in her lap, she tensed, every muscle on edge, ready to leap away at the slightest touch. How she wished she could undo what she’d done.

  “Una.” Liam’s touch was careful as he lifted her chin. “Look at me.”

  Opening her eyes, she looked at him. A slight frown tugged his brows together, his dark eyes filled with worry and concern, but no anger. He licked his lips, and her eyes latched onto the movement like a lifeline.

  “Una, why?”

  “Forgive me, I couldn’t help myself. It was like I could taste it, needed it more than my next breath. The scent of it stirred me in ways I’ve never felt.” She shrugged. “You should have left me in that place. I’m a monster.”

  Liam chuckled, leaning closer to her. His warm breath stirred the hair at her temple. “I’ve seen monsters and you aren’t one. Instinct perhaps.” He nodded and pulled her into his arms, his grip tightening when she struggled. “Shh, just stay here with me.”

  Always, my lord, always, Una thought as she snuggled deeper into his warmth. Curling around him, she closed her eyes, her body going boneless as sleep crept over her.

  * * * *

  Draconi watched the amassed gods with a wry grin. None looked too comfortable, though that could easily be explained by the presence of the Lord of the Dead and his beautiful wife. He exhaled, his attention turning from the drama of the King of the Dead socializing to the silent figure hovering on the edge of the crowd, her attention on the gathering darkness outside.

  Striding across the room, he paused at her elbow. Staring out the window, he cleared his throat. “So, Selene, what do you make of this? The Lord of the Dead is here as are several other gods I have not seen in centuries. It is a rare occasion, is it not?”

  “What does it matter what a bunch of gods do? They are fools to believe their safety, their lives, are revered. Even now, Saltar’s army is advancing on the Barrens.” She turned her head. “They’re hunting.”

  “Don’t tell me, they hunt your little mortal.”

  “No, they hunt your servant and his mate.” Selene crossed her arms, her chin lifting as she met his eyes. “He saved her.”<
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  “This I know. He saved her from the vampires, from the fey, from the Ghors—”

  “Nay, my lord.” Selene inhaled, a pensive look in her dark eyes. “When the fey sliced her throat, she was near death. The mist came to me and asked me what decree I held. It was not my place to give her life...the Queen of the Underworld did that. To save a female he barely knew and he sure as Stylox didn’t understand, your dragon gave of his own heart. She is dragon and vampire...but not of mixed blood.”

  Draconi narrowed his eyes, anger flaring with his scales as her words sank in. Had Liam broken the one rule all dragons held to? “What is she then?”

  “Both and neither.” Selene offered a wry chuckle. “Una is the other half of Liam. She is learning the truth even as we speak. Amuliana is just as aware as we are of the events transpiring, and she’s doing what she can to stop her.”

  “If Liam has done as you say, he has broken our greatest law. For which the punishment is severe.”

  “He is not the first dragon to give his heart to a female,” Selene pointed out. “Nor will he be the last.”

  “He is the first to physically give it to the descendant of a vampire!” Draconi snarled, his anger growing with each passing second. “Do you not remember we are at war?”

  Selene laughed and shook her head. “War is for those with something to gain from the enemy. You are not at war with my people. Do not interfere, my lord. Una will rejoin her line and unite both of our kind. If you want to do something, send out dragons to slay Saltar’s forces who search for them.”

  “Oh, I shall send forth legions,” Draconi declared as Selene walked away. He watched the sway of her hips for a moment before shaking his head. Beautiful as she was, she was no match for his Sarah. Nor would he bow to her will. He would seek the truth from the dragon king and then act, and if Liam had broken their most sacred law, he would be punished.

  * * * *

  Una glanced behind her to where Liam sat. He’d barely moved since she’d awoke in his arms. If the comfort was familiar, she refused to look beyond the most obvious answer. “I shall be but a few minutes. I’d like to bath some of this dust from me.”

  “Take your time, Una.” Liam’s low rumble carried. “I’ll stand guard.”

  Nodding, Una hurried on the far side of the low shrubs to the steaming water. Shedding the blanket Liam had wrapped her in, she hissed as she stepped into it. Step by step, she walked into the deeper water and sighed as the heat eased the tension from her muscles. Beneath her toes, the smooth, soft feel of sand tickled her feet. Sucking in a gulp of air, she bent over to grab a handful and scrubbed it over her arms and shoulders.

  Una sank beneath the water, rinsing her skin off. She glanced around, her focus sweeping the landscape. Beyond the shrubs there wasn’t much by way of anything. Stone and sand stretched for miles and miles. In the distance she could see the faint hint of smoke curling upward, and she shivered.

  “Do you think we’ll find safety?” Una called.

  “So long as the dragons don’t come looking we should be okay. I haven’t seen any sign of life beyond our own,” Liam called back.

  Biting her lip, Una turned in the water. She could see the back of Liam’s head, his massive shoulders flexing as he worked. Perhaps he was sharpening his axe or sword? Or working on something for her to wear. Una blinked as her vision blurred, the image changing.

  Stones covered in thick moss rose from the ground. The scent of salt hung in the air as she walked along the narrow path. Sunlight glinted off the armor covering her torso, the thick leather curving around her breasts, her hips, to tease her legs as she leaped from one stepping stone to the next.

  “Take care.” Filled with humor, the familiar rumble of Liam’s voice filled her head. She glanced upward. He circled above her, his massive wings blocking the sun for a moment before he settled on the jutting ledge.

  “Always, my lord. Have you seen the army?”

  “Aye, it is two days east of us and moving this way.” He nodded in the direction. “There is a sunwalker leading them.”

  “Leave him to me.” Una paused, her gaze scanning the rock wall before she jumped. Laughing softly, she jumped again, catching the faint cracks within the rocks with her claws as she clambered up to stand beside him. “What of your kind?”

  “Our kind. Half a day to the west. We are in a bad position, my love. The dragons can move quickly. If they scent us, they’ll be here within an hour.”

  “Can we avoid them?” Una stared to the west, concern mixing with rage. They were hunted by many, with safety and shelter offered by none. “Perhaps if we headed—”

  “We will need to stand and fight one or the other.” Liam cupped her jaw. “We are beyond mercy.”

  Una nodded, her heart dropping. It was true. Saltar’s men hunted her and the dragons hunted him. She shivered at the thought of leaving him, her hand going out to clasp his. “Together.” The promise spilled from her lips as readily as her next breath. “We will stand or fall together.”

  “Aye.” Liam pulled her closer. “So it shall be.”

  “Una?” Sharp, worried, Liam’s voice penetrated the fog surrounding her. She blinked at him as he stood, legs braced, hands on his hips at the water’s edge.

  “Yes, my lord?”

  “Come, we do not have time to waste. We should move before the sun gets too high. I have fashioned you something which to cover your tender skin with.” He gestured with his thumb toward their bare camp.

  “Thank you.” Una splashed ashore and turned to stare out over the land. Somewhere out there she could feel the stirring of something dark, evil...and it frightened her.

  Chapter 13

  “Find her. Destroy her.” Saltar stared with narrowed eyes into the darkness, the image of one of his most loyal generals in his mind. “Kill any who stand in your path. My time will come to rise again, and she means nothing.”

  “It shall be done.”

  Turning, Saltar shuffled across the narrow bridge between his cells. Locked within the dank hole, he could feel the cool breeze on his skin, feel the soft flesh giving way beneath his fangs. When he was free he’d destroy them all. From that pompous Hema...nay, he’d keep him alive just long enough to torture him as he slaughtered each of his wives. He’d drink of their blood, enjoy their bodies until they begged for death, only then would he kill the wretched king. Aye, he’d be victorious.

  * * * *

  From the doorway, Gawain watched Bede pace the confines of their chambers. Hema had forbidden her to leave with the birth of their child so close. It had rankled, he’d seen the fury in Bede’s gaze, seen the fear beneath it, and knew she worried over her sister.

  “I will find her and bring her to safety.” He stepped into the room. “This I swear.”

  “It should not fall to you.” Bede showed her fangs, the tips red from her most recent feed. She’d taken to wanting blood at all hours of the day or night. Her increased appetite showed in the glow of her skin, the sleek line of her muscles. She’d never been more beautiful to him, and he wanted to take her into his arms, to soothe the anger, the fear within her heart, but it was beyond him.

  “Una is family, I shall do whatever I—”

  “He should allow her to come here!” Bede tossed an empty chalice across the room. “She is a vampire, she belongs with us.”

  “She has spent weeks in the company of a dragon. Our king is not willing...”

  “Dragon be damned.” Bede whirled away. “She is my sister. It matters not to me if she has spent the time with a human, a dragon, or a fey. If she be in danger, we should be protecting her.”

  “I shall do what I can, I promise.” Gawain caught her on her way past him. He pulled her into his body, his blood humming with need. “You must not worry. Take care, my beloved, if not for me then for the babe you carry.”

  Bede offered a half smile, her palm smoothing down over the bump at her waist. “I will do my best, my dearest. Forgive me.”

 
“There is no need.” Gawain pressed a kiss to her lips and stepped back. “Now, Hema has informed me there will be an emissary from the dragons attending him this night. I must see to my men, then I shall find out what I can about your sister.”

  “Dragons? Here? Oh no, what...”

  “They will do nothing. It is rumored these are peace talks. Rest, I will send one of the ladies in waiting to fetch you if the king commands it.”

  Gawain trailed a hand over her shoulder before he turned to stride from their rooms. His grip on his sword tightened as he turned the corner and Dorstan stood blocking the hallway, a slight frown on his face.

  “What?”

  “The king has sent for you.” Dorstan grabbed his arm, his grip tightening painfully. “Make no mistake, Gawain, I’ve had little use or liking for you. You’re rash, careless, and dangerous, but you have shown yourself to be loyal to our overlord. He is aware Bede’s sister is alive and has been in the service of Amuliana since she was a child.”

  Gawain swallowed, his stomach twisting as he stared at the commander. “You think he will order her death?”

  “That is for him to decide. He calls for you now.”

  Gawain brushed Dorstan off and headed for the throne room. He could hear the sound of voices as he approached the massive doors, and he felt his heart stutter. If Hema decided Una was too great a risk, he knew Bede would abandon everything to save her sister, and he would follow her through Stylox to keep her safe.

  He inhaled a quick breath for courage before pushing open the doors and striding through them. All of Hema’s queens sat atop the dais, their faces unreadable as they surveyed the gathered crowd. Men and women of rank milled about in their finest, warriors dressed in full battle gear lined the walls. Gawain caught several of the queens’ legion as they moved through the throng, their flowing capes hiding their deadly weapons.