Hopefully, they will do so in the next four months.”
“Why four months?”
“The babes will be here by Valentine’s Day. It would be good for all if your brother and Jierra were settled by then.”
“Four months? Do all Dardaptoans have babies that quickly?”
“No. Lupoiux. We are more on par with humans, at just under ten months.”
“So in four months I’ll be an aunt.”
“Yes. At least twice over. If the babes survive. Being Lupoiux they should.”
His tone was still concerned, and Mallory stared at him. “But?”
“Jierra most likely will not. Aureliana told me Bronwen shares Barlaam’s fears. No female Dardaptoan has given birth to twins and lived in centuries. It does not bode well for Jierra.”
“Oh, God. No wonder everyone hates Rand. But has anyone told him?”
“I don’t know. But you will not. I will not have him raging against you again.”
Chapter Thirty-Five
Aodhan had enjoyed the sweet, simple day with his female. They’d gotten to spend time with each other without the baggage that had existed between them for the last three weeks. It gave him a glimpse of what their life together could be like. If she chose to stay with him permanently. She mentioned nothing of her future plans, save for the precious Taniss lab she would be overseeing. He easily sensed her focus was shifting to the tasks ahead of her, and away from him and what he had initially done to her by taking her from her home.
He wasn’t so sure that was a good thing. He thought about that for a moment as he led his female back inside the building. They were expected at a meeting in fifteen minutes with Dahr Rydere and Mallory’s cousin Emily to discuss the purchasing of land for the lab. He consoled himself with the knowledge that he had her with him for the foreseeable future. That meant he had a chance of convincing her to stay.
Now they simply had to find a routine that worked for both of them.
They were halfway to the Green Room for their conference with the Dahr and Dhan when Amaia, a servant from the Jareth House stopped them.
“Equan Adrastos, the Dahr and Dhan are in the pool areas. There has been an incident involving Equa Adrastos’s sister and cousins. You may wish to join them.”
“An incident?” Aodhan tightened his hold on his female’s hand. “Was anyone seriously injured?”
“All will live, sir. From what I understand, an elhydra was found in the pool, and attacked the Jareth and Sebastos Equas, and the young human girl.”
“What’s an elhydra? Aodhan?”
“A merperson, kitten. Extremely stupid creatures. Come. Let’s go see for ourselves how your family fares.”
***
Aodhan kept a tight hold of her hand as they entered the pool area and found a small crowd still formed around Theo and his Rajni. Dahr Rydere stood beside the couple still clinging to one another on the cement beside the pool.
Mallory dropped to her knees and hugged her younger sister tight.
Rydere nodded at Aodhan, the gesture one designed to pull Aodhan away from the crowd. The two men stepped off to a corner.
“What in nine hells happened?” Aodhan asked.
“An elhydra in the pool. We found a drain pipe with the guard removed. Tool marks around the frame show it was deliberate.”
“And Cormac’s female? I heard she and her sister were involved.”
“We nearly lost the human. My future sister-in-law.” Rydere’s anger was very clear for anyone to see. Aodhan understood it. Barlaam was Rydere’s only surviving sibling. “She was between the two Equa. And Cormac’s could not see or hear what was happening. Theo’s female was being pulled under and could not fight the attack. Had Briken not remembered his science lessons and stuck the thing just right, the human girl would have been lost.”
“Someone is plotting against our Houses, Rydere.” Aodhan kept his tone quiet though his fury wanted to roar through. “And they have made no attempt to hide the fact that they’re targeting our females, though they are cowardly enough to hide their identities.”
“Find them. Find them and do what must be done.”
“I’ll start now.”
Chapter Thirty-Six
Aodhan left his female to help care for her younger sister where she could also be guarded by Theo and Theo’s younger brother Thaddeus the Healer. He’d taken a moment to speak with Theo, and make it clear that Mallory was not to leave his presence until Aodhan fetched her himself.
His first stop was going to be the basement area. He needed answers. And he would have them.
His female’s brother prowled the cage like the animal he was. When Aodhan opened the door, the man’s head jerked in his direction and his eyes burned. “Blood-sucker.”
“Wolf.” Aodhan bared his fangs. They were just as sharp as the beast’s teeth.
“Or should I say, brother?”
“Despite what you have done to my sister, we will never be brothers.”
“Then we shall spend eternity at war? Think you that will be easy for your sisters? Know this, wolf. I love my Rajni, and will have no one cause her unhappiness again. Even you. And though Theo is a kind and gentle man, he will kill for Michaela at less than a second’s provocation. Remember that.” Aodhan leaned casually against the bars as he studied the man who looked so much like his Rajni.
“Is that all you came for? I’m assuming you want something from me.” The wolf was just as casually arrogant.
Aodhan had to admit he liked the other man. But he would never show him that. “I have a few questions.”
“Shoot.”
“Jambu.”
“The traitor? What do you think I know about him?”
Aodhan unlocked the cell door and swung it open. His brother-in-law eyed him. “Come on. Do you honestly think we would keep you locked in a cage like an animal?”
“Perhaps it would be best if you did. I would hate to kill you by mistake.”
“Would it be by mistake; I wonder? I want your word. A vow.”
“Go on.”
“If you feel the beast within you taking hold, leave. Hit the mountains; hells, I’ll even give you a key to this room. But do what you have to in order to keep the women we both love safe.” Aodhan dangled the key out for the wolf.
He took it.
“I want your assurance, then, blood-sucker.”
Aodhan nodded. He’d expected as much. Nothing was without a price. “Within reason.”
“Should I get to a point where my sisters or she are threatened, kill me. I will never put my sisters in danger again.”
“Understood.” Aodhan’s respect for the wolf grew. “But I will not allow it to come to that. And once you and your mate find your way, the beast within you will calm. I can promise you this. I have a cousin who is mostly wolf. He has had many centuries to gain control of his beast. You should talk with him sometime.”
“Someday, perhaps.”
“Yes, someday. Now, you may wish to help me. We speak to the traitor Jambu next. It is through his actions that Jocelyn and Emily were threatened. And your mate. I have questions for him. And I think you can help me get those answers.”
“Unless I kill him first. It is a possibility.”
“Not a strong one. I shall keep the bars between you. Unless I need to open the doors. Truth. If you were to kill him for what he has done to your cousin, and intended to do to your mate, I can justify the act to our laws. But I am convinced the situation is much larger than Jambu, especially after today’s incident.”
“What incident?” The wolf stopped prowling around and looked at him.
“Someone removed a drain guard and let an elhydra into our pools. Your sister Michaela and two of your cousins were in the pool at the time. It is just luck that a ten-year-old boy remembered his lessons from science class and was able to kill the elhydra before Jade drowned. Between this and a few other things that are starting to add up, Dahr Rydere and I have come to the conc
lusion that someone is targeting the females of the Royal House. All of the females. And have since before I found my Rajni.”
“Mickey? And I’m assuming Josey. Are they ok?” Concern and anger warred for control in the wolf’s eyes. “Injured?”
“Your sister is shaken. She has a few scratch marks. The elhydra had a good hold of her. Young Jade was between her and her sister. All three females were pulled beneath the waters. It was frightening for them, but they will survive. Barlaam, the healer, has finally succumbed.”
“Succumbed to what?”
“That’s right, you do not know. It seems your cousin Jade has determined she is to marry Barlaam. As she is his Rajni, he is determined to give her what she wants. Much has happened while you were indisposed, wolf.”
“Apparently. Let’s find this traitor of yours. Then I will speak with my uncle and cousins. And sisters. I need answers. “
Chapter Thirty-Seven
Mickey slept, her hand held tightly in Theo’s. Mallory sat watching her sister for the longest time. Mickey had been upset by the elhydra attack, but Theo had comforted her until she’d drifted off.
“She’ll be safe, now.” Theo told Mallory, unconsciously answering the question she had been thinking. Mickey had told her that was an occasional skill of his. Not as developed as Cormac’s mind-reading abilities, but enough that sometimes Theo could predict what was about to be asked. “She and the babe.”
Mallory squeezed her sister’s hand as Theo’s words sank in. “Babe?”
He gave a smile of such hope and love that Mallory’s chest hurt. He loved her sister, so very much. What more could she ask for Mickey? “Yes. She did not want to wait. Our daughter Calanthia will be born during the highest heat of summer. We will call her Lannie.”
“Congratulations.” Mickey had always wanted children of her own, and she would be a beautiful mother. “Is Mickey going to be ok? Aodhan said pregnant women are in a lot of danger.”
“Yes, your sister will gift me with many children and we will grow incredibly old together. There was a danger to her—that was why I converted her immediately after finding her—but after today that threat no longer exists. Had I not converted her then she would have drowned today.” His hand brushed against Mickey’s side, the touch almost reverent. “But she’s safe now.”
“I see.”
Mallory spoke with her brother-in-law for several more minutes, then stood to leave. “I need to go. Let you and Mickey be together.”
“I’m afraid I cannot allow that. Aodhan gave me clear instructions. You were to stay here until he fetched you personally. My brother is stationed outside the main hall to this House. He is to ensure no one enters my wing except for Aodhan, Cormac, or Rydere.”
Mallory fought an angry retort. She knew what he was doing. Aodhan was being an overprotective ass. “And what exactly is he doing that may be so dangerous?”
“I believe he and your brother are tracking the traitors among our Kinds. Someone let that elhydra in. Someone besides Jambu. Aodhan is trying to determine who.”
“Rand is helping him?” Mallory felt a rush of fear. Not for her brother, but for Aodhan. What if Rand turned on him again? Aodhan was already injured. Would he be able to fight Rand off a second time? Without injuring himself or Rand? She doubted it. “Is it safe?”
“I believe Aodhan intended to come to an agreement with your brother so that Rand may once again interact with his family.”
“And they are both looking for traitors? What makes them think there are any? What is really going on, Theo?”
“Someone let the elhydra into the pool. And everyone knows they are vicious and deadly. They will seek the first living target they sense and will keep attacking, and attacking. No, it was a deliberate assault. And your sister and cousins were in the private pools, used only by the Heads of Houses.”
“And Jambu paid someone to attack Jierra.”
“And it is Aodhan’s job to find out why.”
Chapter Thirty-Eight
“The law says I am entitled to a House Tribunal.” Jambu panted the words, clinging to the tile floor as much as a man could. The blood on his lip interfered with his speech, but Aodhan had no difficulty understanding him.
“The far older law says that a mate can demand blood payment. That leaves three men; the Equan of the Jareth House, Dahr Rydere, or the alpha of the Taniss Lupoiux pack. Cormac and Rydere are otherwise occupied, and allowed their cousin-by-marriage to take the right. Now, as I see it, you have two options. You answer my questions, or I allow the wolf here to take his blood payment from your flesh. And I can guarantee it will be a painful process for you. Look upon what he did to me over a simple family squabble.” Aodhan held up his arms to show the stitches. “And I am mated to his beloved twin. Think you on what he will do to someone who threatened his mate? Who is responsible for the near death of his dearest cousin? What say you, wolf? Does the lust burn within you?”
Rand released nothing but a growl. Aodhan bit back a smile. His brother-in-law held no difficulty understanding Aodhan’s particular brand of interrogation.
“Questions!”
“Excellent choice. I suppose I could put a leash upon my brother-in-law, but I far prefer to let wild animals be free as the gods and goddesses intended. I’m sure you understand. Now,” Aodhan grabbed the traitor and pulled him into a seated position. “You’re going to tell us a story. Starting with why you wanted Jierra, your closest friend, dead. Then you’re going to end with how you contacted the Lupoiux who attacked the Jareth Equa. And Jambu—make sure it’s a detailed story.”
Fifteen minutes later, Aodhan wasn’t satisfied in the least. Jambu’s story presented more questions than answers.
The wolf was just as unhappy. “So that’s it? Someone sent him anonymous notes pointing out that if Jierra was out of the picture he would be the next heir? Thin.”
Aodhan agreed. “We need to focus on who sent the notes. On who would know Jambu well enough to know what buttons to push to incite him to turn on someone whom he has cared about his entire life. The connection is between the Redd Gothan pack and that person.”
“At what motivation? What did that person hope to gain from it all? If Jierra was killed and Jambu became your Dahr’s heir, that meant the heir himself was next.”
Aodhan nodded. “Which means the threat to my people still exists.”
“Meaning the threat to my family and my mate still exist.”
“Yes.” Aodhan knew it, and he would find that threat and eliminate it. “Somewhere. In the meantime, even the resort is not safe. Especially for Jierra and Dhan Emily. And now Barlaam’s Rajni. Even she can provide an heir if something were to happen to Jierra or Dhan Emily before a second heir can be born.”
“So two of my cousins or my own mate. Anything else you need to add?”
“Any of the Taniss Rajnis present a threat. As does Jierra. The royal Houses are so because of their close familial ties. I am related to seven of the ten Houses. Theo, five. Dahr Rydere is related to nine. The Jierra, with eight relative ties. Any of our females pose a threat to these traitors. If it’s strictly a matter of inheriting the daharana position.” Aodhan ran the scenarios through his head. “And the Redd Gothan pack will need to be dealt with.”
“I can have a few of my men take on that angle.” Rand’s feral grin told Aodhan he was looking forward to the idea. “If you can guarantee the safety of my female and pups.”
“Done.”
Chapter Thirty-Nine
Mallory waited impatiently, knowing Theo would not let her out of his suite until Aodhan arrived to fetch her. She’d have words with him about that. His archaic idea that she needed to be constantly protected and cosseted would have to change if they were to move forward together. As it was, she was fighting herself to stay in Theo’s suite and not make a big fuss out of him following Aodhan’s orders. Mickey’s Rajni did not need that after the ordeal Mickey had faced that afternoon. But still…that didn’t mean
she was too pleased with Aodhan at the moment.
She may have acted wimpy and wishy-washy with him since he’d kidnapped her, but hadn’t she spent years gaining back her confidence in herself? He was not going to take that away from her just because they’d had mind-blowing sex.
And he wasn’t going to be hiding her in a corner with his buddies while he went off to slay dragons. Or merpeople. Or whatever threat he decided was after her.
Thaddeus opened Theo’s suite door, finally, and Mallory studied the two men standing in the frame beside him.
Her brother nodded. “Mal. How’s Mick?”
“She’s sleeping. She’s pregnant, Rand. And it really frightened her today.” Mallory ran her gaze over Aodhan, searching for signs of what might have occurred between him and her brother. Why was Rand with him? “There’s blood on your vestis.”
She walked to Aodhan and grabbed his arm, pulling the silk of his shirt back to see for herself. None of his stitches were missing. She turned to her brother.
Not a single mark was on him. “Whose blood?”
“The traitor Jambu’s. What? Were you worried I hurt your brother, kitten?”
“No. Worried he’d hurt you. Or did you forget the sixty-something stitches holding you together? What happened? Why did you change your mind about Rand?” She rubbed her hands over his arms, checking for herself that he was fine and in one-piece. He indulged her for a moment before grabbing one of her hands and leading her back to the couch she’d been sharing with Theo moments before.
“Sit. I’ll tell you what we have learned. And your brother and I have come to an agreement. Whenever he feels the beast taking hold, he has developed strategies to help him ensure everyone’s safety.” Aodhan pulled her down to the couch with him; Mallory let him guide her onto his lap to make room for her brother on the seat, as well. It was only when Rand raised an eyebrow and smirked that she realized what she’d done.
In the Beginning... Page 38
