by Aliyah Burke
Table of Contents
Legal Page
Title Page
Book Description
Dedication
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen
Chapter Fifteen
New Excerpt
About the Author
Publisher Page
A Totally Bound Publication
Keeper of the Stars: Part Five
ISBN # 978-1-78430-042-5
©Copyright Aliyah Burke 2014
Cover Art by Posh Gosh ©Copyright May 2014
Edited by Rebecca Douglas
Totally Bound Publishing
This is a work of fiction. All characters, places and events are from the author’s imagination and should not be confused with fact. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, events or places is purely coincidental.
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any material form, whether by printing, photocopying, scanning or otherwise without the written permission of the publisher, Totally Bound Publishing.
Applications should be addressed in the first instance, in writing, to Totally Bound Publishing. Unauthorised or restricted acts in relation to this publication may result in civil proceedings and/or criminal prosecution.
The author and illustrator have asserted their respective rights under the Copyright Designs and Patents Acts 1988 (as amended) to be identified as the author of this book and illustrator of the artwork.
Published in 2014 by Totally Bound Publishing, Newland House, The Point, Weaver Road, Lincoln, LN6 3QN
Warning:
This book contains sexually explicit content which is only suitable for mature readers. This story has a heat rating of Totally Simmering and a Sexometer of 1.
KEEPER OF THE STARS: PART FIVE
Aliyah Burke
Part five in the Keeper of the Stars serial
Heaven can be found amongst the stars.
They have arrived for their battle in hopes of defeating the Keeper of the Stars. Lian is weakened and Lana is gone. Will they be reunited before it’s too late or will their future together be over before it truly begins? Can Lana be the strength that Lian needs to defeat Them and restore order?
Dedication
Thanks to Totally Bound for giving me the opportunity to try a serial. It’s been a blast. Thanks to my readers who are always ready to come out and show their support for my work. My heartfelt thanks to y’all!
To my husband who is my rock, always there no matter what comes.
And as always, to the men and women who protect the country, your selfless sacrifices for myself and those you’ll never meet is something I will never forget. God Bless each and every one of you.
Chapter Thirteen
Lian strode through the training room then down a set of stairs along the far wall, hidden by a long bamboo screen he had designed it so no one would know it was there. Unless, of course, they knew where to look. On the next level, he paused before a panel embedded in the stone and typed in a code, causing the wall to drop back and vanish to the left.
He walked with determination by the numerous tables and stands of weapons to a large archway, where he paused before continuing on through to the gigantic workspace behind. The one he sought pounded away, working metal into the shape he wanted.
“Inaki.”
The eight-foot creature stopped immediately and stared across the room at him, his unique orangey-yellow eyes focused directly on Lian. Everything about Inaki was huge. Everything. His face had a nasty scar running diagonally from right to left, which only added to the fearful display he portrayed. Inaki was a creature from Hell, one who Lian had saved when he was still young. The two, despite their vast differences, had become friends. When Inaki had needed to hide from the others who’d wanted to kill him, he’d come to Lian who had been sheltering him since.
“Lian.” His deep bass voice echoed through the room.
Inaki reached into the forge with a pair of tongs and shifted something around. His leather apron covered his otherwise bare chest. The sparks jumping from the flames and landing on unprotected skin didn’t even make him flinch. Lian hadn’t any clue why he wore it, for he knew the fire, even as hot as the flames were—and they were from the pits of Hell themselves—couldn’t hurt Inaki.
“Ala?” Lian didn’t beat around the bush. There was no point—Lana had told him what Ala had said about her doing it for Inaki. Lian had to know if there would be an issue.
“My wife, or so she’d be called nowadays.” He moved to a table, red hot metal in his hand, and began pounding it. “Will it be a problem?”
Part of him longed to say yes. Crossing his arms, Lian moved closer to the place Inaki worked at and watched him hammer down the edges of a sword. The strokes were methodical and each one purposeful.
“No, just a shock when she showed up to talk to my woman.”
“Because of who her siblings are?”
“Yes.”
Inaki thrust the metal into a pool, causing steam to rise along with a loud hiss. “Ala has changed much over the millennia.”
“You are my friend, Inaki, but I tell you this. If she goes after my Lana in any way, her blood will soak the ground.”
Inaki moved a lever, seemingly unperturbed by Lian’s threat to his wife, and brought a bucket to him, from which tipped out molten metal into shape castings. “I am sure she is aware of that.”
Lian let it go. His warning had been heard. “I need you to make something for me.”
Inaki never slowed to wipe the sweat away from his bronzed face. “A wedding ring?”
“A set.”
One push sent the bucket careening away. Inaki crossed massive arms over his barrel-like chest. “Ideas?”
“Yes.” Lian stepped closer and gave a smile to the large creature. “This is what I was thinking.”
* * * *
He knew where she’d be. Her place. Lian walked through the forest, stepping over roots and branches. At her spot, he paused at the outskirts of the grassy area. He’d had some stone benches put in and a cushioned swing.
Lana currently occupied the swing. Her white cowl-neck sweater engulfed her, being a few sizes too large. He’d discovered she preferred baggy clothes to wrap up in. Her jeans, while not as loose as her top, couldn’t be considered tight. She sat fully on the seat, one hand holding onto the rope and she rested her head against it as well.
She hadn’t given him a true smile since Yancy had driven away with Mark crying in the backseat. There had been attempts but he knew they were false. He didn’t blame her—she wasn’t the only one who missed the baby.
“What do you need, Lian?”
Hell, even her voice remained dejected and sounded older. He prowled closer, wishing she’d stare at him. Didn’t matter if it was to just allow him to peer at her face. She didn’t. In fact, when he had positioned himself where he could see her, her eyes were closed.
“I’d like you to look at me.”
Sorrow drenched the gaze that met his. Her face passive and he felt like he had wronged her. And in a way, he had. She had latched onto Mark and had spent most of her time with him. Lian understood why—he was an innocent and one she could protect, something she hadn’t been able to do for her own family. Lana forgot she had been five at the time and there was very little she could have done anyway—it didn’t matter to her. He knew she blamed herself.
“I have something to ask you.”
“Which is?” she prompted.
“Can you come to the house?”
Silent, she swung her feet to the ground then rose, brushing by him and heading out of her place. That was how he thought of it now. He enjoyed s
imply being with her as they walked and didn’t press for conversation. Staring down at her, he noticed some brown and red streaks in her hair, like the sun had been lightening it.
She barely slowed for him to open the door, but he managed to get there in time. Amazingly, she’d not continued on after entering and stood there waiting, hands clasped before her. He thought given how she’d been moving prior, she would have kept moving.
“What I want you to see is in the kitchen.”
She lifted her eyebrows. “Kitchen?”
“Surprised?”
A hint of her real smile shone through. She tucked some hair behind her ear. “A bit.”
“Go ahead.”
He trailed her inside and observed her as she took in what awaited her. On the table were two place settings upon a white lace tablecloth. Tall tapers, the same colour as the cloth, rested in hand-carved wooden holders. Two steel covered dishes sat before each chair. A towel-wrapped bottle in a container of ice was positioned near the far seat.
“What is all this?”
He held her chair for her then assisted her with the napkin as he guided it across her lap. With one hand on the stainless steel covering, he paused. She watched him, excitement and confusion on her face. He passed a hand over the white candles and flames ate at the wicks.
“I met you, Lana Tennesol, six months ago today upon that bridge in Pennsylvania.” By her startled gasp, he knew she’d not thought about that at all. “That night changed my life—both our lives—forever.”
Lana canted her head to the side and watched him, her expression all seriousness.
“I wanted to celebrate that meeting with you, Lana. I love you more than I thought I would ever love anyone.” He wiped his free hand over his mouth. “I know things have been rough since Mark left.” Pain filled her eyes and he pressed on. “But I meant what I said that day. We can foster more. Or adopt. Both. Either way works for me. Just…promise me you will still give some thought to being my wife.”
Her eyes grew large. “Wife?”
“Wife,” he said, with a nod before lifting the cover. It took him a few moments to remember that her upbringing had been so different, she processed things differently than most. Him mentioning fiancée before might not have stuck at the forefront of her mind.
Her gaze flicked between him and the items that had been under the lid. “You made me butterscotch pudding?”
“It is your favourite.”
That time the smile was true. “What’s this?” She pointed at the jade box. “It’s beautiful. Absolutely gorgeous.” Lana reached for it then paused. “May I?”
“Of course.”
“Where did you get this, Lian?”
“I made it.”
“Made it?” Her tone was incredulous.
“I did,” he said.
He drew his chair closer to hers and stretched out a finger, touching the smooth stone.
“When?”
A slight tilt of his lips. “A long, long time ago. I hand-carved this.”
“What are all these symbols?”
“Animals of the zodiac.” He pointed them out. “The others are inside the box.”
She opened it and gasped. “Lian, these rings are stunning.”
She withdrew them. An intricate blend of gold and silver, upon which Inaki had etched the binding knot identical to the ones on their wrists. As he watched, she slipped hers on and admired it.
“Don’t tell me you made these as well.”
“No, Inaki made them.”
“Who’s Inaki?”
“I’ll take you to meet him, but right now I’d like an answer. Will you marry me, Lana?”
Her answer was to pick up his left hand and slide his ring upon his finger. Laying her palm along the side of his jaw, she smoothed her thumb pad over his lips. “You silly man, we’ve been married since you put this mark on me.” She gestured to the leather brace, which she wore again. “I don’t need a large ceremony or anything like that.”
“I want it legal, Lana, in the eyes of this mortal law. I want you protected if there comes a time when something happens to me.”
Her eyes narrowed slightly before she nodded. “Then of course I will.”
He leant forward and kissed her gently. “Good. Now eat your pudding.”
“What’s the drink?”
He stood and lifted it from the ice, causing her to laugh. “Milk.” He poured her some and watched her eat the pudding. She paused after one quarter of hers was finished.
“Aren’t you eating yours?”
He gave himself some milk and uncovered his bowl as well. Lian got distracted, easily distracted, by noting how her mouth curved around the spoon as she ate. His cock throbbed and he shifted in an attempt to find a position in which it didn’t feel like it was trying to punch free of his clothing.
The light from the kitchen shone on her ring and he sighed contentedly. She was his. Truly. He rubbed his chest as his injury made itself known again. His lack of speedy recovery was the one damper on his evening.
They walked to the bedroom, holding hands, and he made slow love to her before they both succumbed to their world of rest.
* * * *
Two and a half weeks later, Lana walked into her room and noticed a large white box with a sapphire bow around it, positioned on the foot of her bed. She paused before approaching it slowly.
What is this?
No note that she could see. Climbing on the bed, she reached for the unexpected gift. Settled on her knees, she carefully untied the bow, the satin sliding easily through her fingers. She hesitated briefly then lifted the lid.
Light blue tissue paper awaited her. Lips pursed, she folded back the sheets, stopping a few times to admire the sparkle in the late afternoon sun. When it had all been peeled away, Lana gasped in amazement.
Lying there was a pearlescent material, intricately beaded all along the neckline. She grasped it, removing it.
Silk. Cool at first, then warming to her touch. A dress with a scoop neckline and the beading continued. There were patterns and it took her a few moments to realise what they were. Constellations.
A folded piece of paper fell free and she carefully laid the dress down on the bed. As she reached for the note, she sat on the mattress beside the incredible gift she’d received.
Lian’s impeccable handwriting stood out against the white sheet.
Lana,
Please meet me in the gardens at six. I hope you like the gift. I eagerly anticipate laying eyes upon you in the dress. There are shoes in the box as well, the choice is yours if you wear them or not.
Lian
Shoes? Lana sneaked another look in. Sure enough, fur lined, beaded moccasins waited there. They were the same colour as the dress, not white but pearl.
Lana glanced at the clock and dashed to the shower upon realising she only had twenty minutes to get there. Once clean and dry, she pulled on the dress. There wasn’t any way to describe how the material felt against her skin. She simply didn’t have the words.
The dress was almost off her shoulders. On the arms, the beads created stars in no particular order that she could discover. At the last minute, she slipped the moccasins on and walked out of the sliding door leading to the gardens.
The sun had begun to set and it made the water in the fountains and ponds glitter. She found Lian standing with a man she’d never met before. Maxwell stood by silently. Lian appeared so handsome in his black attire. Finally tearing her gaze from him, she noticed it wasn’t just Maxwell who stood with him, but the rest of the staff as well. From the house and the winery.
“Lian?”
He turned and the look of passion and love he gave her nearly buckled her knees.
“Lana.” Sure strides brought him to her side. He took her hand and bowed over it before kissing the back. “You…that dress…I don’t know what to say. You’re so gorgeous.”
“Thank you. What’s going on?”
“A wedding.” He he
ld her gaze and it took a moment before the words and their meaning sank in.
Eyes wide, she glanced around. “Us?”
“Yes. Have you changed your mind about marrying me?”
His thumb teased the back of her hand and she had a hard time concentrating.
“No, never.”
“This is Minister Gordon and he’s agreed to perform the ceremony.”
“Hello, my dear,” Gordon said.
Lana gave a slight smile as she took in the robes with the purple sash he wore around his shoulders. I’m sure there’s a name for it but I don’t know what that is called.
“It’s nice to meet you,” she replied.
“A true honour to meet the woman who finally got this man to the altar. You must be something very special.”
“Trust me,” Lian said, with a smile. “She is that and more.” His gaze singed her. “So much more.”
The man nodded. “If we’re all ready, then, we can begin.”
Lian led her over to a wooden arbour, which had flowers covering it. She squeezed his hand.
“This is beautiful, Lian.”
He faced her. “You deserve it and so much more.”
She reached for his other hand. “No, this is more than I could have ever dreamed. Marrying you. Living here. This dress. It’s all perfect. Thank you.”
Lian bent to kiss her.
“Now now, I’ve not preformed the ceremony yet. You have to wait,” Minister Gordon spoke, and the others chuckled.
“Let’s get us hitched then,” Lian said, never once looking away from her. He walked them to the arbour and stood beneath it. “The sooner the better.”
She gave him the ring and watched him take his off as well. Then she turned her attention to the minister, happier than she knew she could ever be for the opportunity to become Mrs Lian Yang. The minister cleared his throat and she stole one final look at Lian, who winked at her.
