“No.” His expression turned dark. “I’d never make fun of the woman who pleased me as you did, loved me as if the world was ending.” He leaned forward. His fingertip lightly brushed the corner of her lips. “Should I remind you?”
A sense of belonging spread through her, and her traitorous body shivered with delight. Her sex twitched and her inner muscles throbbed as images of his arousing touches and intimate attentions multiplied. She was back in the throes of a mind-blowing night of sex.
But that was last night. This was the next morning and a different situation. She refused to melt at his first touch, and… Gods, she’d gone back on her resolution to make him crawl.
“It’s totally unnecessary,” she huffed, pressing closer to the headboard.
He laughed. “I disagree. Coffee?” Kailen glanced at the night table.
She followed his eyes, and her heart warmed. A silver tray with a coffee service and a glass of orange juice waited on top. He’d been thinking of her comfort while she slept. Now she felt silly for accusing him.
“You’re an angel. I’d kill for a glass of juice.” She scrambled to sit upright.
“First, I’m a fiend, now I’m an angel…”
Her phone chimed and vibrated, interrupting him.
He frowned. “Who’s that?”
“Khnurn is the only person who texts me.”
She turned it on to read the message, but Kailen snatched the phone from her fingers before she could stop him.
“Well, we can’t allow that,” he murmured as she tried to wrest it away. He tapped the keyboard, then gave it back to her as an unfamiliar ring tone came from the depths of his robe’s pocket. “Now I have you too.”
“Gods,” she protested. “So bossy.”
“Interesting. Last night, you couldn’t get enough.”
Talaith turned from him to the phone.
“You left it on. The chime woke me up earlier,” he accused.
“I’m sorry. Truly. Lowering the volume escaped my mind.”
“Of course, it did. You were quite busy handling other matters…” He handed her the glass of juice. “And rather nicely, I might add. You’ll get no complaints from me.”
She glanced at him with disbelief. The Kailen she knew didn’t have a teasing side, but was a man of few words, gruff at times and without fail deadly serious.
“What does he say?” he asked.
“Khnurn?”
“There’s no other he in the room.”
She brought the phone closer to her face.
“Uh-oh. He’s sending me to Scotland?”
“Say again?”
“His intention was to talk to Brysys in person. Check her condition and the truth of her story. He told us in Germany.”
“I don’t remember that.”
“But I do.” She shrugged. “Evidently, something’s come up, and he can’t get away from Egypt. I have to go in his place.”
“And do what?”
“I have no idea. Talk to her. Bring her back here. Toss her in the nearest loch. He didn’t tell me.”
“Ask him, Talaith. I don’t like this. She’s too close to Blackstone Manor. If the vampire gets wind of our presence, and we haven’t warned him about her… Well, imagine the explosion.” He shook his head.
“No one wants to be on Eachann’s bad side…” She gaped. “Wait, did I hear you correctly?”
“I told you, I’m your backup.”
“I guess.” She sighed, tapping a message to Khnurn. “You’d come even if I said no.”
He frowned. “What are you trying to prove by going solo? You don’t know what you’ll find in Scotland. The prudent thing is to take another pair of eyes, a partner. Soren and Brant never went out alone.”
“Okay. I give.” She sipped, enjoying the burst of acidy-sweet flavor.
“Any response?”
She glanced at the screen. “Nothing yet.”
“Hmm. Something doesn’t feel right. My warning system went on alert. Where are we going?”
“He texted Kinlochleven. It’s a small village south of Fort William. During the session in Germany, the scrying waters showed me a road and part of a small building.”
“That’s the problem. We’re deviating from our original mission. He literally ordered us here so we could examine the pieces found in the bar. But now we’re going somewhere else. Brysys can’t be more important than investigating where and how the female drones are made.”
“You have a point there. Although, we talked about getting more firepower. Brysys is that.”
“Only if she’s healthy and her magic is working.” He stood. “And another thing: Gustaf and the other Westerbergs are in the dark about the sorceress. Our manpower and resources are spread too thin. It makes us less efficient.”
“How do we tackle this?” Using the sheet as a cover, she sat at the edge of the bed.
“Has Khnurn answered?”
“Not in the last five seconds.”
He narrowed his eyes. “All right, we’re going to the Highlands. Dress accordingly and meet me in the strategy room upstairs. I’ll go wake up Soren and Maya, brief them on our mission, and make a new plan. Maybe we’ll have to separate as you said. Oh, and don’t worry about the mess.” He pointed at the remains of her torn gown and other items scattered over the floor and chair, evidence of their night of passion. “Zola will take care of it.”
Kailen walked out, and she jumped to the floor, waving her hand. One of the most satisfying perks of her magic was to summon clothing out of drawers and closets when needed. As she got the shower ready, a long-sleeved top, field slacks, and socks lined up on the bed. Her hiking boots, unlaced and ready to wear, waited by the night table. Fifteen minutes later, she stood in front of the mirror, ensuring her top was right side out and her hair was properly secured in a ponytail and not sticking up in porcupine fashion. Satisfied with her appearance, she wrapped the sleeves of her trail jacket around her waist. As she opened her door, she glanced at her bedroom again. She’d ignored Kailen’s orders and straightened up everything. Last night’s intimate memories were hers and her lover’s alone, if he so wished. No one else was invited in.
“Oh. It’s still light out,” Talaith exclaimed as she exited the portal to a wondrous sight.
“Damn, we really overshot the town,” Kailen grumbled, ignoring her excitement.
“Well, I’m glad we did. Look at the loch. It’s gorgeous up here.”
Captivated by the view, and grateful for her stubbornness, she walked a few feet down a footpath lined with bright daffodils. In New York, she’d wanted to research the town and area before they arrived, to get the lay of the land. Kailen had been in a hurry and kept pressing her to go. She got two minutes’ worth in front of the computer.
Now it paid off. Nestled between the Mamores ridge to the north and the Aonach Eagach to the south—the notched ridge flanking Glencoe—Loch Leven wove toward an unending west. Its pristine surface mirrored the perfect pink-gold sky of twilight in the Highlands.
“No more beautiful than you, a stór.”
He spoke close behind. The warmth of his body caressed her. If only she could hold him…
“I love your uninhibited enthusiasm and happiness. It reminds me of the little girl who used to watch me in Khnurn’s hut. You were nothing but eyes then. Look at you now.”
“The little girl has grown.”
“She has, into a stunning woman.”
He clasped her shoulders. She wanted to turn, look at him, and get her fill of his intelligent gaze and the hint of tenderness he did his best to hide, his confident aura, and his stunning silver hair and cool blue eyes. Yet, she remained in place, enjoying a rare double treat: the scenery extending to the horizon and the sensation of him holding her.
“Pity we’re not sightseeing,” she murmured.
Feeling suddenly daring, she took a chance. She leaned against him and prepared for a rejection that mercifully didn’t come. Instead, he wrapped hi
s arms around her waist and pulled her even closer.
“A few selfish seconds won’t change or hurt anything.” He kissed her hair. “I’m fairly certain Brysys hasn’t gone anywhere.”
Talaith had fantasized all her life for this, a moment of loving intimacy with Kailen, the idol of her youth, the man she’d revered above all others. Many a night, she’d berated herself for her childish silliness, the crazy notions of a foolish girl. Why would the fabled Tuatha Dé Danann warrior give someone like her a second glance? He was a pureblood Danu descendant; she was an abomination. The abandoned mongrel a druid coven, needing to test their powers, had put together for the fun of it. In a way, she wasn’t much different from the tragic female drones Alain and his daemon partners were creating.
She released a long sigh.
“What is it?” He squeezed her waist.
“Nothing really. Just taking in the view. Maybe it’s my imagination, but I sense a hint of melancholy, a peculiar sadness floating in the air.”
“It’s not your imagination. We’re close to Glencoe, the site of a terrible massacre. The pain inflicted to the MacDonald clan lingers. Their spilled blood clings to the soil, and centuries-old grief reverberates off the mountainsides in a never-ending loop. Although the tragedy happened long ago, your memory powers are picking it up.”
“What happened to them?”
“In a few words, government forces claimed the MacDonalds hadn’t pledged allegiance to the new English monarchs. The accusation was false, but the order to kill was executed anyway. Next time we see Eachann, ask him. He can give you the full background and the… What the hell is that?”
She startled at the abrupt change in Kailen. “Where? I don’t…”
The arm around her waist stiffened.
“Look below, at the edge of town. It’s to your left, at eleven o’clock.” He pointed in the direction he wanted her to see.
A plume of smoke rose from a cottage. A flash of light followed.
“That is—”
“Daemons are here. Brysys is under attack. Let’s go.”
Kailen took off downhill. She opened her stride to keep up as he rushed in and out of trees and bushes, sliding down loose dirt and rocks. Her butt hit the ground a few times, but she bounced and continued without hesitation. The farther down they went, the darker and thicker the smoke wafted around the place. The flashes came faster and faster. An all-out fight was taking place inside the structure. They reached the bottom of the hill and turned left on the paved road to get situated. Spurts of blinding light flared out the windows. Strangely, the explosive illumination was somehow contained to the perimeter of the cottage.
“Glamour,” Kailen said in answer to her mental question. “Brysys has draped a shield around the house. She’s keeping the human neighbors blind to the fight.”
“That means she still has some faculties,” she murmured.
“Hurry.” He tugged her hand. “We don’t know who’s inside.”
Kailen turned left on the gravel road that led to the house, slowed his pace, and hunched down. He waved to her to do the same.
Talaith imitated his stance. As she crouched forward, crackling noises snapped in her ears. Defensive magic hummed in the air. The source was strong, but the frequency was also inconsistent, a sign of weakness. Dropping her hands forward for balance, she sped to the nearest window in a half crouch.
The scene inside the house was chaotic. A lieutenant of the horde, plus four, Graeae-like, misshapen figures, unlike anything she’d ever seen before, were engaged in a lightning battle against Brysys and a werewolf couple. Huddled behind a sturdy credenza, the Brysys trio defended their position with continuous volleys. She turned to call Kailen, but he was a step ahead of her. He ran forward, deploying his laser sword midstride. Quickly, she got out of the way. He crashed through the window shoulders first and rolled on the floor while firing his weapon at the same time.
She took a few steps back to gain speed, sprinted forward, and hopped sideways through the window Kailen had used. Her jacket caught in the shattered glass, and she stumbled onto her knees, just as a laser beam singed the floorboard next to her calf.
“Look out, to your right!” Kailen warned.
She glanced up, instinctively cupping her hands. Her eyes met the lieutenant’s icy gaze. She countered with a challenging glare, while opening her fingers to release her missile. The fiery bolt flew, but missed the intended target as one of the strange creatures ran in front of its leader. With a loud shriek, the entity smoked into nothingness.
“Give up, Brysys. Come peacefully, and I won’t kill your friends.” Standing before the fireplace, the monstrous male cut a terrifying figure. Grouped at his side, two creatures chittered.
“Don’t listen to him. Lieutenants lie,” the female werewolf retorted.
Out of the corner of her eye, Talaith caught Kailen’s shadow sliding around a hag. He aimed the laser sword, and the female drone exploded. Thick droplets spread through the air. The mysterious substance landed, and the floor fizzled and cracked.
“Acid,” she murmured, then shouted, “Be careful, Kailen, these things spew acid, not blood. Don’t let them touch you.”
The lieutenant growled. Scuttling from the fireplace, he took cover behind a trashed sofa. “Meddlesome female, you are next.”
Using the momentary break, she rolled smoothly over her right shoulder, moved out of the lieutenant’s line of fire, then scrambled to an overturned table to use it as a shield. Brysys and her friends were closer now.
“Hey,” she called in a loud whisper.
The dark-haired woman from the memory search turned to her, and Talaith fought not to gape. The sorceress was even more beautiful in person.
“Thank you for coming,” she said, cornflower-blue eyes brimming with gratitude.
“How are you holding up?”
“Best as I can.”
Brysys smiled and nodded, presenting a brave front. She couldn’t hide the perspiration beading her forehead or the stark paleness of her skin. She was losing energy fast.
At the far corner of the credenza, another creature emerged at Brysys’s unguarded back. Talaith hurled a warning bolt to stop its advance. But the projectile traveled faster than she intended, and the fireball found its prey. As the entity’s arm disappeared, a whirl of acid drops sprayed out, and the male werewolf huddled next to Brysys howled in pain.
“Malcolm, no,” his mate yelled, throwing her body over his to protect him.
“I’ve had enough of your resistance,” the lieutenant roared. Pointing his fingers, he fired a barrage of laser beams out of his fingers. Flaming spots in reds and fiery yellows surged everywhere the laser hit. From his bookcase hideout, Kailen answered with his light sword. In the rapid exchange, another creature disintegrated. Wood splintered, glass shattered, lace tapestries were scorched, furnishings burned. The smoke thickened, making it harder and harder to breathe.
“D-did…you c-call…him?” the injured werewolf stammered.
“I did, my love. He’ll be here,” his mate answered.
“No. You promised you wouldn’t,” Brysys protested, flailing her arms. The erratic movement shifted her out in the open. The lieutenant had patiently waited for this opportunity. He jumped to his feet, aimed, and his beam struck the middle of her back. She dropped to the floor without a word.
“Brysys is down!”
Talaith crawled to the sorceress. Cradling Brysys by the shoulders, she pressed her neck. A weak pulse throbbed. The deathly pallor of her skin was a clear warning that the sorceress wouldn’t last long.
“I need you, Kailen. I’m losing her.”
“Be right there.”
The monster emitted a guttural noise after Kailen’s words.
“Damned son of a bitch,” Kailen grated. “I’ll get you and your ugly friend.”
“I do not care. Kill the drone. My mission is finished.”
“And so are you.” A booming disembodied voice rumbled t
hroughout the collapsing cottage. A tornadic wind swept through the small living area, crashed from ceiling to floor and wall to wall. Loose items flew. Cupboards and drawers trembled and slammed. The invisible force sucked the last creature within its vortex and spun it with blinding speed until the entity’s dismembered pieces scattered and disappeared in the ether.
As she watched in disbelief, Kailen slipped in next to her. “You okay?”
“Yes,” she whispered.
The whirlwind ripped on, zoomed around the lieutenant’s feet, nailing it in place, and a circle of fire flared toward his head. The monster struggled to lift an arm, perhaps to summon an escape portal, and couldn’t. He’d been paralyzed. His armor began to melt as flames engulfed and lapped at his form. His expression remained defiant to the last.
“Who are you?” he roared.
No one answered his final screams.
Its purpose accomplished, the wind left as quickly as it had appeared, and a deadly silence followed.
The front door jerked open. Bromm, Eachann’s most trusted advisor and friend, stood at the threshold, scanning the room.
“Malcolm!” he shouted.
“In here. He’s wounded,” Malcolm’s mate responded.
Bromm knelt at her side. “Flora, are you all right?”
“Aye, laddie. Unharmed. Lady Brysys is hurt.”
Bromm nodded assessing the situation, then turned to Talaith and Kailen.
“Why, Talaith and Kailen, fancy meeting you here.” He smiled. “I didn’t know you were coming.”
Talaith stared at Bromm wide-eyed. The werewolf could have been at a social gathering, his casual attitude belied the direness of their situation so effectively.
“Nice to see you too. We’re on Khnurn’s errand.” Kailen stood and extended Talaith a hand to rise. “Maybe you haven’t noticed, but we have a bit of a situation here.” He winked at Talaith. “Bromm is a mellow kind of wolf. Your kind of personality.”
“You two are nuts. We need to move Brysys and Malcolm, now.” Talaith waved with impatience. “These people don’t have any time to spare. If we’re keeping Brysys and knowledge of the attack from Eachann, I understand. We must transport them to New York without delay.”
The Last Danann (Titanian Chronicles, #2) Page 13
