Reining Him In (Chinese Zodiac Romance Series Book 5)

by Rachael Slate

  The pinch in her chest eased. She’d ensured his safety. Though what the goddess planned for her remained a mystery.

  Price snorted. “Just like that, Daji? I was right. You’re nothing but a fucking Ice Queen. Stuck up, self-righteous bitch.” He spat the words, and they smacked into Daji’s chest, but she steeled her resolve.

  “Nüwa has a present for you, sweetheart.” He jerked his chin at the box. “Why don’t you open it, goddess. I don’t want to look at her anymore.”

  Her pulse raced. His act was good, or it wasn’t one. Had he figured out how to manipulate the box?

  Nüwa twisted the jade box in her hands, rose, and strolled to Daji. “Goodbye, Daji.” She raised the lid, and a vaporous blue mist swirled from inside. It circled them, enclosing them in its haze.

  Daji notched her chin and held firm. If this was her end, she would not go down defeated.

  ***

  Price’s pulse raced through his veins in rapid time. His cards were on the table, and if this failed, he’d lose her.

  Can’t live without her.

  Horse had freed him from the bindings, but he left them loose around his wrists, pretending to be their prisoner.

  The blue vapors swirled around Daji and Nüwa’s ankles, creeping upward.

  Taking its fucking time.

  But then, the wispy end of the mist snapped its tendril around Nüwa’s tail.

  The goddess’s eyes widened as the haze jerked her backward. The box dropped to the stable floor and the vapors tugged Nüwa’s tail inside. The goddess hissed and shrieked, clawing at the ground while the mist yanked her inside. “You cannot defeat me. I’m a goddess.”

  “Looks like you need a little help there, Nüwa.” Jiutou kicked her, smushing her toward the box. “As always, I’m happy to oblige.”

  “Oh, did I forget to mention the box is keyed to a specific name, and will only work on that name?” Price shot Nüwa a mock apologetic frown. “My bad.”

  “You.” The denial in her tone rose to a furious pitch. “I will crush you for this, Da—”

  The box sucked in the last of her, snapping shut with a resounding click that echoed through the stable, bouncing off the walls and filling the empty silence.

  No one moved. Daji’s lips parted, and she shot him a frown of fear mixed with hope, her bright eyes shining. She dashed toward him, halting right in front of him and gasping as though she wasn’t sure he was real.

  They’d won.

  He tugged his right wrist, slipping it through the loosened knot. “We have got to stop meeting like this.”

  She sobbed out a laugh and he stroked his finger along her cheek, cupping her soft skin. Her eyes fluttered and she leaned into his caress.

  He wrenched his other hand free and snared his arms around her, crushing her to his chest. “Fuck, Daji. For a moment, I was worried I’d lost you.” He shifted back, brushing aside the moisture from her eyes with his thumbs.

  “Me too.” She let out a shuddering sigh. “How did you make the box work? On her and not me?”

  “Ah, what just happened?” Jiutou scowled at the box, then lifted her head at them. “You lied to us.”

  “Seriously?” Price whistled at the sisters. “How dumb did you think I was? Your acting sucks, by the way.”

  “She’s really gone?” Pipa squeaked, scurrying from the box and rubbing her neck.

  “Yep.” He slipped the chain off his neck and locked the box, handing both the key and box to Daji.

  “Daji, Price, I’m so sorry.” Pipa raised imploring silver eyes at them. “Can you forgive us? Nüwa stole a piece of our spirits and used us to do…” She shook her head. “Bad things.”

  Daji smiled at them. “You would never intentionally harm me. You’re my sisters.” She rushed toward them and swept them in her embrace.

  So forgiving.

  Enough to excuse his foul-mouthed insults and his tainted blood?

  She hugged her sisters, the three of them laughing and happy as fucking rainbows.

  Daji released them and the two smiled at him. “Sorry about everything.” Jiutou’s frown seemed sincere, and Pipa was dancing around like a little sprite. Not bad for sisters-in-law, once he got past the whole trying-to-usurp-his-woman’s-throne-and-stuff-her-into-a-box-for-all-eternity crap.

  Her attention on him, Daji’s smile faded and her eyes grew serious. Half of him couldn’t believe she was here, with him. He resisted checking over his shoulder, because a giant-ass monster must be lurking in the shadows, ready to tear them apart again, right?

  She stared at him, those copper eyes unblinking. “You came for me.”

  He unclenched his jaw. “Of course. There isn’t anywhere you can go to get rid of me.”

  A smile played across her lips and she sauntered forward. “You take your job much too seriously.”

  “Occupational hazard. Beautiful, temperamental Queens who make you fall madly in love with them.” He seized her wrist and tugged her toward him.

  “Mmm. Sounds dangerous. How many of these Queens have you encountered?” She dragged the tip of one claw down his chest.

  “Well,” he cocked his head, “just one, so far. I’ve been lucky.”

  “Hmm?” She arched one brow. “How is that?”

  “Because despite her psycho family trying, she hasn’t kicked me to the curb yet.”

  Daji chimed a laugh. “Wait until you meet my cousins.”

  “Speaking of family…” He cleared his throat. That stuff she’d declared about his parents, was it true? “Is my mum really here? What you said, it’s true?”

  “Yes.” The jesting dissolved from her face and her palm rested flat against his stomach. “I’m sorry to have told you those things in such a horrible manner.”

  “Hey.” He curled his finger under her chin. “My whole life, of course I’ve known my father was a douche. It was him who killed my mum, wasn’t it.”

  “I’m afraid so,” she whispered.

  “Yeah, I figured that would make sense.”

  She rested her face against his chest. “She kicked him to Dìyù first though. Lucky we haven’t run into him…yet.”

  “I’ll be ready to tear him apart when we do.” He shifted his feet. This was the uncomfortable part. “I’m not like him.”

  “Oh, Price.” Daji slid her palm along his cheek. “Of course not, my love. Your soul is pure. You and Ryden are the balance to the evil he has brought into this world.” She smiled at him, sincerity shining brightly from her eyes, and his uncertainty was extinguished. If he trusted anyone’s opinion, it was hers.

  “Would you like to see her? It’s been a long time.”

  The idea his mum was here caused tears to sting his eyes. He managed a nod.

  “Come.” Daji slipped her hand into his and they headed for the staircase. After winding through the corridors for a few minutes, they came across a flock of scattering húli jīng.

  “They sense Nüwa is gone,” Daji murmured.

  “Where does that leave them?”

  She straightened her shoulders. “Where they belong. I’m bringing them home.”

  “Fuck, yes.” He grinned and planted a hot, heavy kiss on her lips.

  “Price?”

  He sucked in a breath, his lips next to Daji’s, and stiffened. That voice, he’d never forget. Slowly, he spun around.

  She looked exactly as he remembered her. Beautiful.

  “Mum!” He darted to her, snagged her in his arms, and swung her around while she laughed. Crushing her to his chest, he kissed the top of her head. The pain in his heart, the weight on his shoulders, it was gone.

  He had her back and he couldn’t wait to reunite her with Ryden.

  She pressed away from him and planted her hands on either side of his face. “My Price.” Tears streamed down her cheeks and her voice choked out the words.

  She didn’t have to say anything more. The joy in her eyes said everything.

  ***

  Daji smiled while Price
embraced his mother. It was beautiful. The pain he carried seemed to vanish. The young boy who blamed himself and bore such tremendous guilt had at last been relieved of its burden.

  Me too.

  Dì Xīn would never control her again. She was free to love, and who cared if Price was his descendant?

  Blood was not soul.

  Price’s soul was good.

  Her people fluttered around, exclaiming and laughing. Joy spread across their faces at having been freed from the goddess’s grasp.

  This place was a sanctuary, true, but it was not their home. They weren’t destined for a life of servitude to a goddess who neither cared for them nor provided what they required.

  Daji could, and would, bring them home.

  With Lucy’s help, she would rebirth their souls. The box containing Nüwa rested heavy atop her palm. What was she supposed to do with it?

  “Daji.” Price slipped from his mother and grinned at her. “Time to go home?”

  “That would be wonderful.” She mirrored his smile. “We’ll have quite a few new houseguests.”

  “Houseguests?”

  “Yes.” Daji tilted her chin. “I’m not going anywhere without my people.”

  “Okay.” He counted the number of bodies. “How are we going to get them back?”

  “Unlike humans, when húli jīng die, our bodies vanish with us. We should be able to transport them through a portal.”

  “If they choose to stay?”

  “Then they may stay.” She inhaled a steadying breath, not doubting most would welcome a chance to return to their home.

  “That’s a lot of bodies to shuffle.” He whistled low, scanning the crowds. “Where are you planning to stash them?”

  “There’s at least one free bedroom at my palace.” She tapped his arm. “Yours.”

  He slid his hand around her waist, murmuring, “Hmm, but I was told the Consort has to stay inside his quarters until summoned by his Queen.”

  “He does, but the Queen gets to make up the rules.”

  “Oh, does she?” He swung her around, stealing a laugh from her lips, and set her on the ground. “In that case, I can’t wait to get back.”

  “I must make an announcement to them.” Her hand lingered on his arm. For so long, she’d ruled alone. No one at her side. Every decision and its consequences her own.

  No longer. She valued Price’s opinion. She craved him at her side.

  Ruling together, until Naya’s coronation, at least.

  After skimming her hand down his arm, she clasped his hand. “We must make an announcement.”

  His brows furrowed for an instant, before his lips spread into a dashing grin. “Does this mean I get to wear a fucking crown?”

  “Technically, the crown belongs to Ryden.” Daji bumped her hip against his and sashayed forward. The balcony overlooked the legion of húli jīng below, gathered to wait for their Queen’s command.

  Other creatures had assembled as well, along the sidelines. Those whom Nüwa had also coerced to her realm in servitude.

  This realm would belong to them now.

  Price squeezed her hand as they stepped forward to address their people. His strength and calm assuredness poured through her. “Kar Svakom. Greetings, my dear húli jīng. As you may have heard, Nüwa has been defeated. No longer will you be held prisoner against your will. I’m opening a portal to our realm, and all fox spirits are welcome to return to their homeland. Likewise, if you wish to remain in this realm, you may do so with my blessing.” She inclined her head. The whispering exclamations droned into a fluttering buzz while her people hummed amongst themselves at her revelation.

  Price slid his hand around her back, holding her steady, firm. A pillar of steel to bear the burden she had borne alone for far too long.

  It was a relief to share the weight.

  She smiled at him, then veered to the wall and formed a gateway between this realm and hers. The shimmering air she carved into the surface flickered before her. Home was through there.

  Her future was one she’d never dreamed of.

  And now couldn’t imagine living without.

  The húli jīng filed into the room, and one by one, stepped through the portal.

  More than a thousand, at least. Price was right. They would need somewhere bigger to house them.

  Of course, many would venture to the human world and resume their lives. The palace was a sanctuary, a temporary stop. Not a permanent home.

  Except for the Queen.

  She stood to the side while they passed through. Price draped his arm around her shoulders, steadily waving and smiling at their subjects.

  After the last one passed through, Pipa and Jiutou stepped toward her.

  “Will you join us?”

  “We will for a visit, yeah.” Pipa wrung her fingers. “But that’s your home, not ours.”

  “Can we have the box?” Jiutou jerked her chin at the cube Daji carried in her hands.

  “Are you certain?”

  “Yep.” Jiutou blew out her breath. “I’ve served her for centuries. Done things I will always regret. I’m going to guard that box.” She shrugged. “Maybe it will serve as penance.”

  “Very well.” Daji handed her the box, and slipped the key from around her neck. “If she is ever released…”

  “She won’t be,” Pipa chimed in. “We’ll make sure of it. Promise.”

  “Thank you.” Daji smiled at her sisters. “I owe you much. If you require anything, you’ll know where to find me.”

  She stole a glance to her left.

  Right beside Price.

  Price rolled out his shoulders and shuffled his feet. Jitters zinged through his muscles. At last, the bad guys were defeated, for the moment at least. Daji was at his side, asking him to stand at hers.

  This couldn’t get any better.

  His entire body was tense, and he had a great idea about how to relieve that tension. Starting with getting Daji to the palace.

  After the last húli jīng traveled through the portal, he seized her hand and stepped to the shimmering surface. “Ready?” He shot a grin at the woman beside him.

  His woman.

  Mine.

  “Very.” Her lips pressed into a tight smile. They’d been through more than Hell to get to this moment, so yeah, she must be as nervous as he was.

  He squeezed her hand and tugged her forward. The gateway sucked at him, drawing him in.

  Just like it always did.

  The hairs on the back of his neck tingled. Horse pawed the ground.

  Something was off.

  He twisted toward Daji, The portal was enveloping him, but it bubbled around her, refusing to let her pass.

  He tugged harder on her hand, but it was like mixing oil and water. The portal wouldn’t accept her.

  “What’s going on?” He clenched his jaw, digging in his feet to stay on this side of the gateway.

  “It won’t permit me.” Daji paled. “I’m not meant to go back.” Her eyes misted and her lips parted, her expression crushed.

  “What do you mean?”

  “I’m the Queen and my rule is finished,” she murmured the words, distant, then lifted those bright copper depths to him. “I’m not like the other húli jīng, Price. I was chosen to be the Queen, but my time has come to an end. The realm demands a new Queen. It can’t be me.”

  A new Queen?

  His pulse shot in rapid fire through his veins. “Then I’m staying too.” He jerked his hand, but the portal was sucking him in, its grip relentless. “I won’t leave you.”

  “I can’t return as the Queen.” Her brows bunched together, as though her mind spun for a solution. “But I can once there’s a new Queen.” Her image flickered, fading. “Go, Price. Make Naya the Queen. It’s our only chance.”

  Before he could ask anything, she wrenched her hand off his and shoved him through.

  Daji’s tear-misted eyes haunted him until he smacked into hard tiles. The floor at her palace. The
throne room. Groaning, he clamped his head in his hands and scanned the room. Hundreds of húli jīng crammed the tight space.

  “Naya!” He shouted above their droning. “Ryden!”

  Was this never going to end? Going through Hell, facing off against a goddess, was nothing going to earn him the woman he loved?

  He rushed through the throng of females and spotted his brother. Ryden’s dark blue eyes widened at his presence and flashed to either side of him. No Daji. Yeah.

  Price marched to his brother and sighed as he spotted Naya beside Ryden.

  “What’s going on? It’s like a húli jīng reunion.” Ryden’s grin widened. “Mum’s here, too. She’s back.” He squeezed their mother at his side.

  Price smiled but without Daji, this reunion wasn’t the same. “Yeah.” He shook off their questioning stares. Time for explanations later. “Naya, you have to become Queen. Now.”

  “What?” She squeaked as he clasped her arm and tugged her out of the room.

  “How does it work?” he demanded once they broke free of the crowd.

  “Uh, I have to perform a ritual.” Naya scrunched her nose. “Where’s Daji?”

  “Stuck in Nüwa’s realm. She can’t return until you’re Queen.”

  “Oh.” Naya flinched.

  “Turns out, Nüwa’s version of heaven wasn’t everything she’d advertised it to be. Most of the húli jīng chose to go home.” Pain lumped in his throat. “Daji couldn’t. She said you had to assume the throne first.”

  “Price.” Naya rested her hand on his arm, and the serious tone in her voice made anxiety clump into his throat, constricting his breaths.

  “Daji is a Queen. We’re not like the others. The húli jīng are born from Nüwa, but the Queens, we’re born of this realm. The coronation ceremony changes us. The húli jīng are immortal, but the past Queens… No one knows what happens to them once a new Queen is crowned.” She swallowed thickly. “Daji once told me, they become part of this realm again. Their energy is reabsorbed into the húli jīng spirits. It is reclaimed.”

  “No.” He shoved back, refusing to listen to Naya. “Daji promised me she would come back. That she’d be with me.”

  “She is with you.” Naya lowered her head. “She’s with all of us.”

  He shoved his hands through his hair, jerked his head, and steered away from them. Not true.