Sleeper (Rise of the Fianna Book 1)

by Amy Brock McNew

  “I’m sorry. I know it’s not our way, but I can’t stop crying.”

  Rhys couldn’t help the thrill that ran through him every time she referred to the pack as her own. He kissed her again. “You’re free to express your grief in whatever way you see fit. Our beliefs aren’t familiar to you yet, and no one expects you to instantly conform.”

  Makenna sniffed. “What do you believe happens when someone dies?”

  Amanda took her other hand. She answered before he could. “We believe they go to a warrior’s heaven, Néamh. There they are rewarded for their bravery in battle.”

  Makenna nodded. “That sounds nice.”

  “It is why though we are sad they’re not with us, we don’t mourn as most do.” She watched the flames rise on the pyres. “But this, this is different. They were taken by an evil we don’t know how to fight.” A shadow fell over her face. Rhys could sense Amanda was thinking of her own situation.

  Trystan readjusted his hold on her, bringing her closer. “I’ll find a way to heal you. I promise.” He rested his chin on the top of her head.

  Maybe it would finally bring them together. As they should be. Though Rhys wished it had happened differently.

  He and Makenna had returned home to find Trystan, Talon, Bowen, and several members of the pack at an unconscious Amanda’s bedside. Though injured themselves, they’d refused to leave her.

  Bowen had been beside himself. Her wounds hadn’t begun to heal, and nothing he did roused her. They could barely sense her wolf and her magical signature was almost nonexistent. No one knew exactly what Brianna had done to her.

  She’d awoken just yesterday, disoriented and with no strength. It was as if she’d suddenly been turned human. Her magic and her wolf had not returned. She seemed to be handling it well, but Rhys knew it had to be killing her. He couldn’t imagine not having his power or his wolf.

  They wouldn’t give up until they’d restored her and made Brianna pay. Dearly.

  Since she was still extremely weak, Trystan had carried Amanda to the memorial and held her upright. She demanded that she pay the proper respect and stand.

  Makenna glanced at Amanda and smiled, but it was sad. She’d hardly left her sister’s side as she recuperated. Except for those times every day when Trystan would visit. She’d tried everything Bowen could come up with that she might be able to do to heal her.

  Nothing had worked.

  Most nights Makenna cried after she thought he’d gone to sleep. She blamed herself again. This time, though, she didn’t hide it from Rhys. She talked openly about her feelings. He’d have felt it anyway with their bond being complete.

  Which had been the only good thing to come from the battle. He clung to that one bit of joy with all he had.

  Many were still recovering. Brianna’s mutation of the magic had been devastating. The wounds it inflicted, the deaths, and the failure of the mission had been a horrific blow to the pack. Having to battle former friends and even distant family had cost more than most ever dreamed they’d have to give.

  The week of mourning had been much darker than usual. It was as if a cloud hung over the pack, stealing any hope.

  Rhys ran his fingers up and down Makenna’s spine. She’d been like a sarcastic, foul-mouthed ray of sunshine in the darkness of the last days. Though she was still healing herself, she’d tended to the injured. Not only caring for their wounds but taking care of day to day tasks they weren’t quite able to do.

  Her beautiful heart helped keep the pack strong when they needed it most. Gratitude welled in his chest. He had so many reasons to be thankful for the precious mate destiny had given him.

  She glanced around at the pack. “I wish I could take their pain away.”

  “I know, love. And you do, in your way.” He leaned back to look her in the eyes. “Your strength the past week has kept the pack from falling apart. You are truly a magnificent, loving queen. Even if you don’t wear the ring yet.”

  “I don’t know about that.” Makenna shook her head and lowered her voice. “If it wasn’t for me and my harebrained idea, they wouldn’t be hurt. Or dead.”

  “I told you it’s not your fault. When are you going to believe that?” The edge to his voice was unavoidable.

  He hated that she took it all on herself. That she didn’t see no one blamed her. That her mere presence gave them hope.

  “When it stops feeling like my heart is being ripped out.” Her eyes flashed wolf. “When I kill Brianna and Kylian.”

  Rhys didn’t respond. He wrapped her in both arms and tugged her back to his chest.

  They stayed until all the others had gone. Trystan had carried Amanda back to her room a while ago, demanding she rest. A still slow-moving Talon had gone with them after checking on Makenna and pulling her away from a growling Rhys to hold her for a while. They’d grown closer over the past week, just as she and Amanda had.

  Rhys’ heart filled at the wonder and love he felt in Makenna’s soul. Though it pained her Brianna had chosen a different path, her brother and sister filled a part of her that was just for them. He was thankful they’d all made it through the battle. Though he wished they had escaped unscathed.

  “Is it okay to go in now?” She glanced at the dying embers.

  He loved how she was so careful to make sure she was doing everything right. “Yes. We’ve done our part.”

  “I want to check on Amanda before we head to our room.”

  “Trystan is caring for her. She’s fine.” Rhys guided her into the house and up the stairs.

  Makenna stopped at the top of the landing, eying Amanda’s door. “Are you sure I shouldn’t just peek in?”

  Rhys grinned. “She’s fine. We wouldn’t want to interrupt them.” He placed a hand on the small of her back, urging her up to their room.

  She skidded to a halt and whirled on him. “Do you think they’ll...?”

  He’d told her how everyone but Trystan seemed to know they were mates. He knew Amanda had given her more information, but he hadn’t asked what was said. Some things were just between sisters.

  “Who knows? I think Trystan might still need a little time to come to terms with it.” He nuzzled her neck and nipped her ear as he prodded her down the hall. “Speaking of mating, I need mine and you’re keeping me from her.”

  She stopped again at the bottom of their staircase. She had an impish look on her face as she tapped a finger on her chin. “Well, I wanted to finish this book I’m reading. You know, get some quiet time to─hey!”

  Rhys ducked and upended her over his shoulder. He planted a solid smack on her tight little ass as he took the steps two at a time. “You can read later. I have a few ideas that’ll put the steamy little scenes in your books to shame.”

  She slapped at his back. “How do you know what’s in my books? Developed a taste for romance novels, have you?”

  He spanked her again, hard, eliciting a gasp. “I may have skimmed to see what was so interesting it had you curled up in the chair in the middle of the night after I went to sleep.” He kicked the door shut and tossed her on the bed. She squealed as she bounced. “Such filthy reading material. You sure that’s proper for a queen?”

  Rhys yanked his shirt over his head and flung it across the room before kicking off his shoes and socks.

  Makenna crawled to the edge of the bed and put her hands on her hips. “They’re good stories! It’s not just about the sex.” She quirked a brow. “And since when have I ever been anywhere fucking near proper?”

  He laughed and tugged off his jeans. “Good point.” He feigned a serious expression, fighting to keep from smiling. “You’re the definition of improper. In fact, you seem to enjoy breaking the rules.” He clicked his tongue. “Not a very good example for a queen.” He gripped the hair at the back of her head. “I think what you need is a good spanking. Yeah. I think that’ll teach you not to misbehave.”

  Makenna snorted. “Baby, all I do is aim to misbehave.”

  Her eyes flare
d right before she grabbed his dick. She ran her hand along his length and he hissed.

  “You’re asking for it.” The words came through gritted teeth. Gods, what she did to him. One touch and he was ready to blow.

  “You wouldn’t. You like my brand of trouble.” She tried to shake his hand off and lower her head.

  He held tighter, sensing she loved the slight edge of pain. “Oh I do. Doesn’t mean I won’t spank you for it.”

  Before she could respond, he removed her hand and tore her T-shirt over her head. Then he gripped her thighs and dumped her back on the bed. Within seconds he had her stripped bare.

  There went that eyebrow of hers again. He loved her sassiness.

  She extended a foot and ran her toe over his chest. “So whatcha gonna do, your highness? Or do you prefer sire? I’m not much on etiquette, you know.” She tilted her head, giving him that saucy look that drove him wild.

  “For you? Master will do fine.”

  He traced a path on her stomach and chest with his tongue, lulling her into a false calm. When she closed her eyes, he grabbed her waist and flipped her over. He restrained her with one hand on her upper back. She settled down when he caressed her ass.

  “Rhys?”

  “Mm hmm.” He was mesmerized by her soft skin.

  “What are you doing?”

  He brought his hand down hard. She let out an outraged cry and tried to flip over. He smacked her ass four more times. By the last one, she was gasping.

  He rolled her onto her back and settled between her thighs. “Just giving you that spanking.”

  Her eyes had flames in them. A fire that only burned for him. “I can’t believe you did that.” She pushed halfheartedly at his chest before sinking her fingers into his shoulders as he ground himself against her.

  Rhys nipped at her collarbone before running his lips over his marking on her neck. “You liked it.”

  Her lips formed a denial before remembering he felt what she did. “You’re awful.” The words were breathy.

  “Not awful. Good. Very good.”

  His fingers traveled between them and found her center. His eyes rolled back in his head at how turned on she was. For him. Because of him. Damn if she didn’t make him feel like the mightiest, luckiest being on earth.

  She closed her eyes and arched into his touch. “I’ll give you that.” Long eyelashes flicked up and she gasped as he found that spot he’d discovered.

  He brought her to the edge and withdrew his fingers. “You’ll give me everything.” He thrust inside in one stroke, making himself growl and her cry out. Their eyes met, and his heart rolled over. “And I’ll give you all I’ve got and more.”

  Rhys kissed her softly as they moved together in perfect unison. Hard and slow. Their bodies melding into one. Laughter ceased. There was only breathtaking passion and a deep-seated love that shook him to his core.

  After hours of making love to her in every way he knew and again in the shower, they lay entwined in their bed staring at the stars out the balcony doors.

  He softly stroked her hip as she lay in front of him. “What are you thinking?”

  She sighed. “That I feel guilty for being so happy.” She turned her head to see him. “My heart hurts for the pack, and I hate that we couldn’t stop Kylian,” she bit her lip and he stayed silent, letting her get it out. “But even with all that, deep inside, I’m happy. I have a home and a family. People I can count on. I’ve never had that before. And you. I didn’t know it could be like this.”

  His heart broke again at all she’d been deprived of. He kissed her temple and spoke against her skin. “It’s okay to be happy. Those things you mentioned, that’s what we fight for. We’re warriors. Fighting and dying is part of that. But all of that just makes what we have precious.” He brushed the hair out of her eyes. “It means more because it costs more.”

  Makenna stared out the window and a tear slid down her cheek. “Those people who lost their mates. We’ve only been together a hot minute, but I don’t know what I’d do if I lost you.” Her hand closed around his on her hip.

  Rhys rolled her until she was underneath him. He framed her face with his hands. “Kenna, you’ll never lose me. Even if I pass from this life, I’ll find you in the next.”

  “You promise?”

  “I swear it. Living or dead, I’ll always be with you.” He kissed her tenderly, sealing his vow. “No force exists that could tear us apart. In this world or any other.”

  She smiled and pulled his mouth back to hers. He moved to his side and she snuggled into his chest. Right against his heart. Where she belonged.

  Though they had just found each other, it felt as if his heart had known hers for a thousand years. He’d do everything in his power to protect what they had and all they would be.

  And he’d cut down anything or anyone who tried to separate them.

  CHAPTER THIRTY─FIVE

  Dogs Of War

  Makenna made a face at the funky, short, curved blade Rhys held.

  “What the hell is that?”

  “It’s called a falcata. It can crack a skull like a hard-boiled egg. Even cut into a helmet if they’re wearing one.”

  She raised an eyebrow. “Why the fuck would I need to use something like that? I mean, it’s cool, but still.”

  He laughed. “You need to know every weapon in our arsenal. You never know what can happen and you have to be able use anything handy.”

  She nodded, determined to master everything she was taught. The whole queen gig was different than she’d expected. Especially being the queen of a warrior race.

  The past few days had been spent in weapons training. She’d learned to use all the ones she was familiar with already and several more like the one in front of her she’d never seen before.

  Rhys and Talon were impressed with her ability. She’d always loved blades, which they’d known, given her collection she had scattered around the house amongst all of theirs. Plus Tim had practiced with her back at the center. They’d often suited up and worked with swords.

  The thought of her instructor and friend sent a pang through her chest. He’d called to check on her and she’d told him she’d moved out of town to start fresh. He’d wished her well and told her to keep in touch. There was little chance of that happening with everything going on in their world. But at least she’d been able to check on the kids and they’d ended the call on good terms.

  “That’s enough for today.” Rhys broke into her thoughts as he put the weapon back in a case.

  Makenna stepped beside a shirtless Rhys, trying not to drool. Damn, he made it hard to focus. She wiped the sweat from her brow with her forearm. The bayou heat was merciless. Even if you were used to it. “We can keep going. I’m not tired yet.”

  Talon playfully punched her in the shoulder. “Well I am. And I’m starved.”

  He pulled her into a headlock and she pummeled his kidneys until he released her.

  She pushed him away. “Gross! You’re all sweaty, and dude, you smell like a rancid swamp.”

  Talon yanked her into a bear hug until she twisted his nipple. Hard. “Hey! No fair. Texas titty twisters are not allowed!” He motioned for his Alpha. “Rhys, get some control over your woman here.”

  Rhys laughed and stowed the rest of the blades. “Brother, that is something even I haven’t figured out how to do yet.”

  Talon huffed, but couldn’t hold back a laugh. “I’d watch your nipples then. Female is vicious.” He ruffled her hair, tugging a chunk of it out of her ponytail.

  She loved the easy way he had about him. Though she knew he was a ruthless fighter. There was so much more to this seemingly gentle giant. She couldn’t wait to learn all about him. She’d definitely gotten lucky in the brother department.

  Rhys locked his arms around her from behind and whispered in her ear. “I have a few ideas on how to wear you out.” He tugged at her ear with his teeth and kissed that spot that made her go cross-eyed.

  “You
are insatiable. Freak.” She shoved her butt into his hip.

  “I’m only a freak for you.” She felt him grin against her skin.

  “Get a room.” Talon pushed them to the side as he passed.

  “Got one.” Rhys answered back.

  “Then use it!” Talon yelled over his shoulder.

  Makenna snuggled into her mate and looked out over the field where others practiced, sparred, or stood in groups talking. Everyone had settled in. Though there were still some haunted eyes, they seemed to be healing from the battle.

  Since that day, there’d been no more suspicious glances cast her way. No one nodding and passing without speaking. They’d all welcomed her readily, many thanking her for what she’d tried to do for them and for making their king so happy.

  Her eyes fell on Trystan, sitting under a willow with Amanda. Makenna and Trystan had come to an uneasy alliance. She could feel his respect and appreciation for her part in the battle, but he held on to part of his anger. She wondered if he’d ever let it go, along with the grief he kept inside. Until he did, there was no hope for him and Amanda.

  Rhys tugged on her hand, and she walked with him into the house. She breathed a sigh at the refreshing cool air. They followed their noses to the kitchen where Regan had taken over the cooking duties. Though, Amanda could often be found in her favorite room, baking up something sweet or trying to get dinner made before Trystan caught her and gave her a lecture about resting.

  That never went over well. Amanda was a woman of action. It galled her to be mostly out of commission.

  She wasn’t dealing well with losing her magic or not being able to shift. She withdrew more every day. Makenna did her best but wasn’t sure how to help. So she’d just been there for her. It was all she could do.

  “Get out of that and get out of my way!” Regan slapped Talon’s hand from the pot he’d dipped a spoon into. Her red hair flew around her pale, freckle sprinkled face as she chased him away.