by I. T. Lucas
“I‘m not sure. I have to clear it with Kian.”
“How are things going with Lokan? Is he treating you right?”
Carol sighed. “He’s a complicated fellow. Sometimes he seems to worship the ground I walk on, and other times he seems distant. I don’t know what to think.”
“You should test him like we talked about.”
Carol switched the phone to her other ear and looked over her shoulder into the living room to make sure that Ewan hadn’t come back. “I’m not bringing him a stripper.”
“Hmm, maybe that won’t be necessary. Julian and I want to visit Lokan. I can dress up provocatively and come on to him, see if he reacts to me.”
Carol chuckled. “Right. With Julian there. Don’t be ridiculous. He’ll see right through you.”
“Not necessarily. Lokan doesn’t really know me. What if I’m the kind of girl who needs every male’s attention on her?”
“He’ll know you are not attracted to him.”
“Right. I keep forgetting about the smell thing. It’s a real pain in the butt. Can we come anyway? Julian wants to meet Lokan.”
“Hopefully not because he wants to pick a fight.”
Ella snorted. “He might issue a threat or two. He’s worried about Lokan visiting my dreams before I transition.”
“I have a newsflash for you. Lokan can enter the dreams of an immortal female as well. He entered mine.”
“Oh, wow. That’s not good. I thought that once I transitioned, I would be safe from him.”
“I don’t think you have anything to worry about. Lokan knows how precarious his position is, and he’s not going to do anything stupid. If it makes you feel better, Julian can do some chest-thumping and threaten retribution. But you’ll have to clear the visit with Kian first. Without his authorization, Arwel is not going to let you and Julian into Lokan’s cell.”
“I’ll tell Julian to ask Kian. As Bridget’s son, he is more likely to get permission.”
“Let me know when. I will prepare a nice dinner for the four of us.”
“I will, but maybe you should do it for five.”
“Why? Do you want to bring your mom along? If she comes, then Magnus will want to be there too.”
“I wasn’t thinking about my mother. What if I ask one of the single ladies to come along and try to work her charms on Lokan?”
“Who do you have in mind?”
“Ingrid. She is a big-time flirt.”
That could work. Ingrid was blond and curvaceous, which Lokan claimed was his type. Except, he might have been lying about that.
“You’ll need to tell her what the deal is, and you'll also need to come up with a good excuse for her coming along.”
“Simple. She either wants to redecorate the cell or ask Lokan’s opinion about what should be changed. And if he doesn't buy it, she might claim curiosity, which I’m sure is true.”
Carol didn’t feel right about this at all, but on the other hand, it was a way to put her insecurities to rest once and for all.
“Julian will have to clear Ingrid’s visit with Kian as well.”
“Naturally.”
15
Lokan
Tim leaned back in his chair and shook his head. “I’m good, but even I can’t work with practically nothing.” He waved a hand at Lokan. “Did you consider hypnosis? Maybe if Ken number one brings a hypnotist to ask the questions, we can milk your memory for more.”
“I’m afraid that it’s not possible. I’m not susceptible to hypnosis.”
The artist wasn’t the only one disappointed. As Lokan had feared, the memory of his dream mother had faded over the years, until a very vague impression remained. He’d hoped that the right questions would bring back more, but that hadn’t happened.
The forensic artist threw his hands in the air. “That’s a shame. You don’t remember the lips, you don’t remember the shape of her face, all we have are eyes and maybe a nose.” He turned to Kian. “You’re not going to find your lady from this sketch. But I did the best I could, so don’t think to skim from my payment.”
“Wouldn’t dream of it,” Kian said. “You did your best, and I thank you for your effort.” He walked up to the guy and offered a handshake. “Andrew will take care of your fee and drive you back to the agency.”
Shaking Kian’s hand, Tim grinned. “I’m not going back to the office. I took a day off.” He patted his pocket as if he’d already been paid. “A very profitable day.” He turned to Lokan. “Good luck, my friend.”
“Thank you.”
The artist collected his supplies. “If you need another portrait drawn, give me a call.” He walked up to the door. “For what you are paying me, I’ll drop everything and come running.” He winked as the blond bodyguard opened it for him.
Out in the corridor, the artist was met by Andrew, and Lokan watched them leave together as the door closed. He wondered where the other guard who always accompanied Kian had gone.
A few moments later, when the door opened again and the tall bodyguard walked in with Arwel and the goddess, his question was answered.
Clutching a rolled-up sheet of paper to her chest as if it was her greatest treasure, Annani seemed distraught, which was startling given how regal she’d appeared the other time he’d seen her. But that wasn’t all. The only living goddess, and the most powerful being on earth, was wearing skinny jeans and flat-soled shoes, looking at first glance like a very beautiful high school girl.
Except, her skin was glowing, and her eyes shone with ancient wisdom. Her disguise wasn’t very effective at hiding her otherworldliness.
Lokan bowed his head. “Greetings, Clan Mother.”
“Yes, good afternoon, Lokan.” She walked up to the dining table and looked at the portrait Tim had drawn. “It is her. This is my sister.”
Kian shook his head. “You are seeing what you want to see, Mother. There is hardly anything in this sketch.”
“I disagree.” She unrolled the tube and placed the rendering next to the one drawn from Lokan’s memory. “Look at the eyes. They are the same color and they bear the same expression.”
Gazing at it, Lokan felt like he had seen the woman before, but that could have been a reflection of his yearning. He wished for the beautiful, sorrowful female to be his mother. She looked gentle, a pure soul, and this was precisely how he had imagined his mother as a boy. Then again, that had been wishful thinking as well.
“But not the same shape,” Kian said. “A lot of people have that shade of eyes. It’s not unique.”
“What about the expression?” Annani insisted.
Kian shrugged. “It’s sad, but that isn't unique either. Bottom line, this proves nothing.”
The goddess turned to Lokan. “What do you think? Does she look familiar to you?”
“She does, but it might be self-delusion. Who would not want a gentle beauty like her to be his mother? And you are right about the expression. That’s what I remember most vividly from my dreams.”
Annani tapped her lip. “Would you be averse to me taking a peek inside your head? Maybe I can dig out that memory?”
Even if that was possible, Lokan didn’t want anyone inside his mind. Luckily for him, he didn’t need to lie about her inability to do so.
“Because of my compulsion ability, I’m immune.”
“Would you mind if I tried?”
Annani was a pure-blooded goddess and probably more powerful than his father, so there was a small chance that she might be able to do what Navuh’s compulsion couldn't, but refusing her would cast suspicion on him that Lokan couldn’t afford.
“Go ahead.”
When the goddess walked around the table to where he was sitting and stood in front of him, her eyes were level with his. She was such a tiny female, and yet so incredibly powerful.
Reaching with her small hand, she brushed his hair away from his forehead and looked into his eyes.
Lokan couldn’t have looked away even if he wanted to.
He’d expected Annani’s gaze to be unnerving, intrusive, but all he felt was warmth and love.
How could she have those feelings for him?
Even if he were her nephew, he’d wronged her clan, harmed humans who’d been her protégés, and done numerous other things that she must have considered atrocious.
Kian was well aware of that, and Lokan was sure he hadn’t kept it a secret from his mother, the head of his clan.
And yet, she found it in her heart to regard Lokan with love. He didn’t know whether to revere her for it or ridicule her.
“I cannot enter your mind.” Annani cupped his cheek. “Which means that I will have to trust my intuition. You are my nephew, Lokan, my sister Areana’s son.”
Behind her, Kian rolled his eyes.
Ignoring him, Lokan focused on the goddess instead. “Can I keep Areana’s portrait? I’ll trade your daughter’s for it.” He pointed at the one hanging over the couch.
“It’s not yours to trade,” Kian barked.
Annani shook her head. “I cannot part with it. But Kian promised to make several copies for me. I can have him make one more for you.”
Lokan bowed his head. “That would be greatly appreciated. I didn’t get to know my mother. I can start by gazing at her lovely face. “
“Kian will have it for you later today.” She looked at her son over her shoulder. “Right, dear?”
“Your wish is my command, Mother.”
Turning back to Lokan, Annani winked. “If only it were true.” She patted his shoulder. “We will find a way to make it all work. I promise.”
16
Kian
As Kian followed his mother out of Lokan’s cell, he braced for the inevitable confrontation.
“Do you keep any office equipment in the keep?” Annani asked. “In particular, I am interested in a copy machine that can handle a drawing this size.” She lifted the rolled-up tube with Areana’s portrait.
“I have one in my old office, but the paper quality is not going to be as good. I used it to copy and print blueprints, not artwork.”
“Can we stop somewhere on the way and make copies? I want Lokan to have one as soon as possible. I feel guilty for not leaving him his mother’s portrait, but I just could not part with it.”
Here we go.
The campaign had started.
“I can send someone to do it later. I want to get you to the village first.”
“No.” She looked down at her jeans and smirked. “I am dressed appropriately for a visit to a store. If there is one nearby, we can make the copies, come back, and Brundar can drop one off at Lokan’s while we wait in the car. It will make me feel better knowing that it is done.”
There was no point in arguing.
Kian sighed. “Fine. But you can stay in the car while Brundar is in the store.”
She nodded. “That is an acceptable compromise.”
He wondered how much time this small capitulation would buy him.
As he’d expected, not long at all.
As soon as he joined Annani in the backseat of the Lexus, she turned to him. “I want to get Areana out as soon as possible.”
“It’s impossible, Mother.”
She waved a dismissive hand. “There is no such thing. What about using Vivian and Ella to infiltrate the harem?" Before Kian could voice his objections, she pushed on. "Lokan’s idea has merit, and neither of them has transitioned yet. If we hurry up, we can put his plan in motion.”
To suggest this, his mother must be losing it. “They could enter transition at any moment now. Besides, they are done. I’m not sending either on another risky operation. And even if I was willing to do that, it involves letting Lokan out and that’s not an option.”
Crossing her arms over her chest, Annani slumped into her seat and let out a breath. “You are right. Any other ideas?”
He didn’t want to tell her about Carol’s, but to keep it from her didn’t feel right either.
“Carol had a suggestion, but it also involves letting Lokan go free. I can’t do that.”
“Tell me.”
“Carol and Lokan can dream-share, so theoretically they can communicate with each other mentally like Vivian and Ella can do telepathically. If he can get her into the harem, she can tell him what’s going on in there.”
As he’d feared, Annani perked up. “That is a wonderful solution. And Carol is much better suited for that kind of a mission.”
“True, but she is an immortal, and only human servants are allowed in the harem. Then there is Lokan. If we let him go with Carol, we are putting her life in his hands.”
“Is he not her mate? He will do everything to keep her safe.”
Kian sighed. “That’s the thing. I’m not sure he is. Lokan is a master manipulator and an exceptional liar with a thousand years of practice at hiding things from Navuh. I wouldn’t be surprised if he can fool even Andrew. And as for Carol, this is something she wants to believe in, so convincing her that he is her true-love mate is not that difficult. Especially not for a good-looking, charming fellow like Lokan, who can lie with a straight face and without emitting any incriminating scents.”
“Is there a way we can test it?”
“Maybe Edna can try to probe him, but since he is immune to compulsion, he is probably immune to her type of intrusion too. You tried and couldn’t get into his head. And besides, even if Lokan is Carol’s mate, he is not an ordinary immortal. His ambition might overpower the instinct to put his mate first.”
Annani shook her head. “Even if you are right about this, it is illogical for him to do so. Lokan wants to find out if his mother is in the harem. What would he gain by betraying Carol?”
“His freedom. His ambitious plans. He can have Carol report what she finds and then leave her stuck there. If he helps her escape, the Brotherhood is lost to him, and so are his future plans. He will be completely dependent on us and our goodwill. Frankly, if I were in his position, I would be conflicted.”
Annani arched a brow. “You would sacrifice Syssi for your ambitions?”
“No. Not for that. But if I had to choose between her and the lives of my clan, I’m not sure what I would do.”
“Yes, that is understandable. But Lokan is not going to have to choose between Carol and the lives of his people. His choice will be between leaving the Brotherhood and leaving Carol.”
“Yeah, and I’m not sure which one he will choose.”
“Then find a way to test it.”
“There is a small chance that Edna’s probe will work. But even if it does, it won’t be conclusive either. If he is as good of a liar as I think he is, he might fool her as well.”
“I think you are overestimating Lokan’s abilities.”
“Underestimating him could lead to disastrous consequences. I can’t afford to do that. We can’t afford to do that.”
“On the other hand, my dear son, you might be overlooking a great opportunity. If we can bring Lokan over to our side, he can be a great asset to the clan.”
Kian nodded. “I’m aware of that. But my first priority is always safety. The reason we are still around is the extreme caution we practice. Without it, Navuh would have wiped us out of existence a long time ago.”
Annani shuddered. “That is unfortunately true. Talk it over with Turner. And maybe with Carol. She might have some ideas about how to test Lokan’s devotion to her.”
17
Carol
The phone call from Arwel arrived more than three hours after Carol had been told to leave. “The coast is clear. You can come down.”
“Thanks. I need to warm everything up.”
“What did you make?”
“Nothing fancy. I was too stressed out for that. It’s roast beef with mash potatoes and a side of asparagus. There is ice cream for dessert, though. Do you want me to bring you some, or are you coming upstairs?”
“I can’t leave right now and I’m hungry. So, if it’s not too much trouble, I would appr
eciate a plate.”
“No problem. I’ll be down in ten minutes.”
“Thanks.”
Carol chuckled. She should write a new book about winning friends and influencing people by feeding them tasty meals. She could be the new Dale Carnegie, but instead of calling her book How to Win Friends and Influence People, she would call it Feed Them Well and They Will Come.
Perhaps she should reread Carnegie’s book, though. Maybe it would provide insight into whether Lokan was indeed her fated mate or if he was doing something to manipulate her into believing that.
Shaking her head, she started loading the carrier. The nagging suspicions were killing her, but she couldn’t ignore them. Lokan’s mood swings combined with his change of mind about her going to the island without him were two red flags. A true-love mate would not have done either.
Then again, Lokan wasn’t an ordinary immortal. He’d been raised to be a leader and to think big. He’d also learned to put his own needs and wants aside while pursuing a larger agenda.
Except, Lokan didn’t share Navuh’s world domination ambitions, and his own were still an enigma. He talked a big talk, but that could have been a smokescreen. He knew what the clan’s goals were and what to say to make himself look good in light of those goals.
Hefting the carrier, she slung the strap over her shoulder and headed out.
Down in the dungeon, Carol found Arwel’s door open and walked in. “Do you want me to leave your dinner here, or do you want to join Lokan and me?”
“I wouldn’t dream of intruding. I’ll have it here.”
She didn’t want to point out that he was intruding whether he was in the same room with them or behind the concrete wall separating the cells. “Here you go.” She put two containers on his table. “You may want to put the ice cream in the fridge. It’s going to melt by the time you finish the main course.”
He took the smaller container and put it in the tiny freezer compartment of the under-counter fridge. “Do you want to talk about it?”
