by Mina Carter
“Yes, you do. She’s a strong woman.” Haden stood up and searched the sky. “Do you feel it?”
“Eli’s fucking pack.”
“They’re getting closer. I’ll distract them to give you more time.”
Joseph needed to move her as soon as possible, to take her someplace safe. But because of the extent of her injuries, every second he had to heal her would make moving her less traumatic and painful.
Haden placed his hand on Joseph’s shoulder. “Be strong. This isn’t your fault. She must fight. She’s lycan. Her nature will always demand that she stand and fight.”
“I know. I thought by involving her, keeping her close to me, that I could protect her. But this happened to her while I was with her.”
Haden’s massive black wings shimmered and solidified. He stepped away from them and created a protective barrier around them as he raised his arms to the heavens. A gust of wind rose from out of nowhere, and the atmosphere exploded. Large hailstones crashed into the pavement and buildings. Vivid blue and yellow lightning forked across dark, billowing clouds gathering overhead.
This isn’t your fault, Joseph. You would’ve done the same for me if a vampire was charging me from behind. Opening her eyes, Mia frowned. But, please, tell me that you killed the bastard.
“I did. Jeremy got away. But the vampire that got you is dead for good.” Even in his mind, her voice was barely audible. He knew she was getting weaker though he was surrounding and filling her with his power, his essence, and healing the most critical of her injuries. “And it’s different. You’re … don’t you understand what you mean to me? You can’t throw your life away for mine. Never again, Mia. Do you hear me? Never put yourself between me and danger again.”
I’m laughing at you right now. I know you can’t tell. But I am. I will always have my sexy man toy’s back. And it’s not any different than you having my back. I can’t believe you have poisoned yourself to save me. You don’t even know it will work. You aren’t sure you’ll even survive it. You can’t tell me that you’re not worth dying for. You can’t tell me that dying for you would be throwing my life away.
“It’s not the same. I know you’re strong, but your life is fragile. Yes, I would die for you, but I didn’t risk my life by taking the poison,” he lied. He didn’t really know. He only knew that if he failed, she would die and he would die. “Since you’ve tried to kill me a few times you know that dying isn’t easy for me. I am immortal. I’ve lived too many lifetimes to remember them all. And I’m not having this argument with you right now. You will never do anything like that again.” He bent down and kissed her, knowing perfectly well there was no stopping her from making the same decision in the future.
I know you’re lying to me. You’ve no idea what the poison will do to you.
“You will stop sneaking and snooping around in my head, or I will be forced to punish you.” He kissed her lips. It was a gentle, tender kiss, a display of affection rather than passion. He needed to be careful because he was fighting the urge to take her breath and give his eternal breath to her even though his rational mind knew it would kill her. “I don’t think there’s a bone left unbroken in your body. There’re more vampires out here. I need to pick you up so we can get out of here before they decide to attack. I will …” He stopped short, fearing that if he told her he would take the pain and hold it she would fight him. “It’s going to hurt.”
Her lips slowly, slightly curved upward. Can’t we just all do the disappearing thing?
“No.” It amazed him she was smiling at him, even joking with him. She was suffering excruciating pain, and still she was trying to use humor to comfort him. He was in awe of her. Never in his life had he known a woman with so much strength and courage. “There’re too many spells surrounding us. You could be killed by them. Once we are inside, Haden will also leave.” It was another lie—he didn’t know what Haden planned to do, but he knew she was worried about him being alone with the vampires.
It’s a good thing you’re not the one sprawled out on the pavement, Joseph.
“Why?”
You weigh a ton. I don’t think I would ever be able to lift you. I’m pretty sure if I tried I would have one hell of a backache.
“It would be interesting. I think we’ll try it sometime just for laughs.” He gently, carefully scooped her up and stood, easily taking her with him. It was a memory that would forever haunt him. Despite his best effort to keep from causing her further injury, he heard her bones cracking.
Knowing his actions were causing her to suffer more pain was more than he could take. He was tempted to stop. He was tempted to wait and fully heal her right there, but he knew he didn’t have time.
No matter what happened, he needed to get her out of the street now. Normally, broken bones were easily healed, but the poison that had created her cancer-like symptoms was complicating the process. He saw Mia bite her lip hard. “I’m sorry, angel.” He knew she could barely breathe with the effort it took to stop from screaming out.
She opened her mouth but couldn’t speak out loud. It’s not your fault. She pressed her face against his chest and closed her eyes. Oh, shit. It really hurts.
Give it all to me. He felt her hot tears on his chest and knew the pain had to be horrible. Being lycan, she normally wouldn’t allow herself to cry or show any sign of distress. Let go of it. Surrender all that you have to me. Knowing she was using him to hide her tears touched him deeply. It humbled him like nothing else could.
* * *
Mia felt Joseph’s lips moving on her head as he whispered a chant of some sort. She knew it was a compulsion. He was attempting to take all her pain. If she allowed it, he would fully carry it for her. She sensed his desperation for her to yield to him and allow him to shield and protect her. If he had been anyone else she would’ve fought it until her death. She would’ve held onto her control over her body and mind. But she didn’t fight it. She trusted him.
She allowed the pain to leave her body as she entered a strange and deep state of mental and physical numbness. She was still awake. But the pain was distant. Reality was distant. It was as if she were in a dream, as if the pain in her body belonged to someone else. And it did. It belonged to him now.
“History is screwed up, Joseph.”
“How?”
“There are many things I thought I knew. You’re a demon. Demons are supposed to be evil, but when I’m in your arms I feel like I’m in the arms of an angel.”
He smiled. “A hot, naughty, fallen angel, right?”
“Very hot and naughtier than most.” She stared up at the stormy night sky as he carried her up the stairs to her apartment above her boutique. “I know you’re dangerous. Sometimes, I think you have too much power. Part of me knows I should be afraid of you. It’s amazing how you control nature.”
“It’s about time you admit that I amaze you.”
“Only a little.”
He laughed. “That’s good news. Now I won’t need to work as hard at it.”
“How do you control the weather?”
“It’s not a matter of how I do it. All of the elements of nature are a part of me.” He gently lowered her onto the bed. “We pull them to us when they are needed or wanted. Sometimes anger or other strong emotions will cause the elements to gather and surround us.”
“There are times I wouldn’t mind controlling a lightning bolt.” She couldn’t help but imagine how wonderful it would be to send one or two after him.
That brought his eyebrows up. “You can have any part of me. When our connection has grown stronger and you learn to trust me fully, I can send the power to you to play with as long as I’m not the target for the lightning.”
She smiled. “I can’t believe you took poison for me.”
She saw the bewilderment in his eyes, but she knew it had nothing to do with the fact she’d discovered he’d taken the poison. He was perplexed because she couldn’t believe he would do it.
With a tho
ught he removed her clothing.
“I was dead. You know that, right?” Mia asked.
“Yes.”
“When I died, I became a part of you, of your soul. I saw everything. You weren’t supposed to bring me back because I am not your other half. There’s another woman for you. I saw it in your mind. You know we aren’t meant to be together. I tried to talk to you. I wanted you to know I was okay. But you didn’t hear me.”
“I heard you.”
“Then why did you do it? Why did you risk damning your soul to bring me back?”
“I couldn’t let you go. You are all that matters to me. Without you I have nothing. You are my soul.”
“But there’s another woman for you,” Mia said. “Your true mate. She’s your other half. She is your soul. Why would you want me if there is a woman created to be your perfect match?”
“You’re confused,” he lied. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“What will the poison do to you, Joseph?”
“It doesn’t matter.”
“It matters to me,” she said. “And I’m going to kick your ass for taking my clothes off.”
“No worries. You’re not in any shape to be kicking anyone’s ass.”
“You should be worried.”
“There’s something you should know,” he said.
His voice was serious enough that she opened her eyes. “What?”
He took a warm, damp sponge and cleaned the dirt and blood from her face. “You fight like a little girl.” His touch was just as gentle as his voice. The combination was sheer, glorious agony.
She could get lost listening to his voice and looking into his eyes. Her lips curved into a slow smile. “Hmm … that’s funny coming from the man whose ass I’ve kicked more than once.” She’d always wanted someone to share her life with, but from the moment she’d met him her secret longing had turned into a desperate need.
He stared down at her; his brown eyes glowing with mesmerizing, coppery-gold-colored flecks were full of pain and sadness. “I’ve never seen anything more beautiful than your smile, Mia.” His voice sent comforting waves of warmth washing over her skin. “Knowing you placed your life on the line for me and would do it again makes me insane.” He looked so torn, so battered that her heart broke for him. “I know it’s your nature. You must fight. I won’t try to change who you are. I love you too much to try and change your identity, but the next time you put your life in danger, remember that I will follow. I won’t live a minute without you.”
“I would do the same.” Yawning, she closed her eyes. It was getting more difficult to keep them open. “I’ve never liked living until I started living each day with you in it.”
“You’re tired. You need to sleep to allow your body to heal.” He paused for several seconds, “I need you to trust me. I don’t want you to be afraid.” He reached down and framed her face with his hands. He used his thumbs to gently close her eyes. “I’m going to put you into a very deep state of sleep until your body has had a chance to heal.”
She pushed his hands away from her face and opened her eyes. “No.”
He leaned down and kissed her forehead. “There’s nothing to fear. At first, it’s going to feel strange, as if you’re floating on a cloud. But then you’ll be completely unaware of all that is around you. I promise it won’t be the same as it was when you were a child. You will be perfectly safe. I won’t leave your side for a second.”
She believed him. “I love you, Joseph.”
He bent down and kissed her gently. “And I love you.”
“Do it. I trust you.” Closing her eyes she let go of her fear and allowed him to set her adrift in a state of complete unawareness.
* * *
Nikolas had joined Haden to wait for the vampires to reemerge, but they remained at a distance. Chasing after them would be a waste of time. Instead, the demons studied the web of spells surrounding the area.
“They are still using Demetri’s old spells,” Nikolas said.
“They’ve consumed a lot of Zack’s blood, and it’s starting to make them more powerful,” Haden replied.
Nikolas turned around and saw Caylee standing behind Haden. He smiled. It was good to see her out and about. It had been a while. “I didn’t realize you’d joined us. You are so quiet. It’s good to see you, little sister.” He gestured toward her belly. “All is well?”
Smiling, she nodded. “Yes.”
Nikolas turned his focus onto Haden. “We have company.” He pointed at Eli, who had appeared at the corner and was now making his way toward them. “Do you know why he keeps sniffing around Mia’s store?”
“I’m not sure, but I suppose it’s time to find out.” Haden said.
“I don’t feel his pack nearby.” Suspicious, Nikolas allowed his senses to flare out to examine their surroundings. “He truly is alone.”
“That’s odd.” And it was. During times of battle, wolf packs stuck together. Their greatest strength was in their numbers.
Eli stopped a few feet away from them. “Did Mia survive the attack?”
“What does it matter to you, Eli?” Nikolas asked. He felt Eli’s hostility toward them. It wasn’t a shock. Though they’d fought side by side in many battles throughout the centuries, demons and lycans had deep-seated misgivings about each other.
“The vampires won’t return tonight,” Eli said. Nikolas moved closer to Caylee as Haden pulled her under his arm. “They’re being pursued by my pack. Did she survive?”
“Why are you getting involved with defending one of our women?” Being overly protective and suspicious by nature, Nikolas didn’t like Eli being within touching distance of his brother’s pregnant mate, but he wanted to know what Eli’s interest was in the matter.
“Mia does not belong to Joseph. She is my mate. I’ve come to collect her.”
“What proof do you have?” Nikolas asked.
“I don’t need any. Just as you didn’t need any proof of wrongdoing before killing the three locals.”
Nikolas wasn’t about to apologize, and he knew Eli wouldn’t expect him to. “I told them to stop.”
“Joseph won’t give Mia up,” Haden said.
“He doesn’t have a choice,” Eli replied.
“Mia wants to be with Joseph,” Caylee said. Nikolas saw Haden’s gaze shift toward Caylee when she protectively placed her hand over her of belly. Obviously Caylee felt the hostility between them. He felt Haden’s mood instantly grow very dark as an icy, unnatural wind picked up. Dark clouds began to billow, and thunder echoed in the distance. Nikolas didn’t blame Haden for reacting to Caylee’s natural instinct to shield her unborn child from a stranger, but Haden was unstable. And that was dangerous.
“She has been deceived,” Eli said. “She doesn’t know any better. You’re her friend, right? Look at what Joseph allowed to happen to her tonight. Doesn’t it bother you?”
A low, menacing growl of warning rumbled in Haden’s chest. “You will not talk to my woman unless it is with absolute respect.” Nikolas might’ve laughed at Haden’s response if Eli’s manner of speaking to Caylee hadn’t also pissed him off. Still, he knew the danger of Haden’s instability.
“What happened tonight wasn’t his fault,” Caylee replied. “And I am her friend. She wants to be with Joseph.”
“Where was Joseph when Demetri cornered her in her store?” Eli obviously sensed Haden’s rising hostility, for he took a step back. “Demetri was alone with her for over twenty minutes. That is not an example of a male properly caring for his mate.”
“If you attempt to take her, Joseph will kill you,” Haden said
“Look at what he allowed to happen with his wife. He knew she wasn’t his. He can’t control his urges.” Eli turned to Nikolas. “Unless he hands her over to me, we will be at war.” Not waiting for a response, he turned and walked away.
“You know we can’t afford to allow Joseph to start a war with Eli and his pack right now,” Nikolas said.
“Mia loves Joseph.” Caylee frowned. “She’s not a piece of property to be bartered.”
“She belongs with Joseph. And I will stand with him in this.” Nikolas knew Haden’s statement was more for Caylee’s sake than anything else. Haden didn’t really care what happened. But Nikolas still believed Haden was wrong.
“Mia’s heart stopped tonight. Her spirit left her body. He should’ve let her go, but he brought her back,” Nikolas said.
“How can you be so insensitive? I’m glad he didn’t just let her go,” Caylee blurted.
“You’re young, little sister. You cannot possibly comprehend the danger of attempting to alter fate. It’s not a matter of being insensitive. She isn’t his rightful mate. Joseph simply had no right to bring her back. He has quite possibly cursed her to suffer a worse fate.”
“How do you know whether or not she is his proper mate? Wouldn’t he know before you?” Caylee asked.
Nikolas smiled. “Joseph has had a habit of trying to claim and hold onto women that don’t belong to him. Look at what happen with Teresa.”
“It doesn’t matter. I stand by Joseph.” Haden shrugged. “And as far as bringing her back, I would’ve done the same. And I know you would’ve done the same.”
“You would’ve brought Caylee back because she’s your mate. I would’ve brought my mate back. Joseph didn’t bring his mate back. And what about Jake Mann and his woman? Joseph not only saved Jake’s female, he also hid them in the past because Zack’s blood is in her.”
“Jake is a good and trusted friend,” Haden said. “He’s fought side by side with us many times, and Lee Anne is a good woman. I’ve dealt with her at the juvenile court when she’d worked for abused and neglected children. She certainly is not a threat to us.”
“Vampires have always had self-serving reasons to fight with us. Since when do we call vampires our friends?” Shaking his head, Nikolas didn’t even try to hide his revulsion. “And you know the moment Jake fully turned her, Lee Anne stopped existing. Being a good human doesn’t guarantee she’ll be a good vampire.”
“You’re making serious accusations that hold no truth. Jake is an ancient,” Haden said. “He has fought alongside us for hundreds of years. You know the difference.”
