by Brenda Trim
He met her gaze and she trembled. She hated it, but his opinion still mattered to her. It mattered a lot.
His tense body finally relaxed and he exhaled, “I’m sorry for that. I should’ve come to you, but I couldn’t. It was too painful. I know it’s a shitty excuse, but it’s the truth.” She saw past the words to the pain that was still there, right before he masked it.
“And, I do believe you. You’re the most honest person I know, Muffin,” he teased, winking at her.
She hadn’t heard that nickname in forever. Elsie loved to cook and bake and had gone through a phase of making every flavor muffin she could get her hands on so Dalton had adopted the endearment.
“There’s a blast from the past,” she laughed. “Please don’t say that in front of Zander. He’ll blow a gasket for sure.”
“Yeah, he doesn’t like me. Not so sure I like him, either,” Rami muttered wryly.
Sitting down on the chair again, he crossed a leg over a knee. His toga hiked up and she had to glance away. She wasn’t sure what they wore under their garments, but if he was commando, that wasn’t something she needed to see even if she’d seen it a million times before.
Focusing on another avenue of thought, she realized Ramiel seemed more at ease with her now. “Are you a Guardian Angel? Is that why you were sent to us?” she inquired.
“Not exactly. I’m sort of in-between jobs, so to speak. Protecting your daughter is my only priority right now. I need you to tell me everything that’s happened so I know what I’m up against.”
Zander walked in, carrying Isobel. “Our wee bairn wants to see her mamai,” he muttered, placing her into Elsie’s arms.
Still in alpha mode, Zander leaned over and kissed her, taking his time to draw it out. Her body couldn’t help but respond and he knew it. Her lips parted and his tongue delved inside, tangling with hers. She could easily get lost in his kiss, but forced herself to pull away, blush staining her cheeks from embarrassment. She glanced over to see Ramiel’s jaw clenched tightly, though he said nothing. Yeah, this was as awkward for him as it was for her.
Isobel burbled and she lowered her head to see her beautiful little girl and knew they had to find a way to work together in keeping her safe. She wouldn’t accept anything less.
“Zander, fill Ramiel in on the details leading up to our calling for a guardian. I’m going to feed and change our little one,” she announced, walking toward the nursery. The only way they were going to work together was if they were forced.
Silence descended upon the room after she left and she had to nudge Zander through their bond. Her keen hearing came in handy when she heard him finally begin recounting events to Rami. Thank the Goddess they weren’t yelling as they shared information. If the two could put their egos aside for two seconds, they’d make a formidable team, she mused. Yeah, that might be wishful thinking on her part, but the potential was there, nonetheless.
She went to a rocking chair near the window and nursed Isobel then changed her into an adorable nightgown that Shae had knitted. Shae had come a long way from the distraught female they had rescued from captivity and was now mated to Gerrick Haele, one of the Dark Warriors. Talk about going through hell. That couple had been through their fair share and beat the odds.
Slipping the pale pink dress over her daughter’s head, Elsie marveled over the softest cotton she’d ever felt. Not only was Shae invaluable as an administrator at Elsie’s Hope, she was insanely talented, Elsie thought looking at the matching booties. They looked like butterflies on her feet, complete with little wings. It was the cutest outfit she had ever seen. Taking out her cell phone, she snapped a pic and texted it to Shae. This was definitely a moment to capture.
She walked back to the living room area and was pleased to see no black eyes on Zander or bruises on Rami. The two were engrossed in conversation and she had half a mind to keep walking and leave them to collaborate.
“A ghra, you’ll be happy to hear we’ve reached an understanding. Ramiel has agreed to help and we’re going to work together…as a team,” Zander announced and showing his allegiance, offered a hand.
Ramiel shook his hand, glancing towards Elsie. She couldn’t quite make out his expression, but if she wasn’t mistaken, there was devilry behind those angel eyes.
CHAPTER FIVE
Zander stood at the head of the table in the war room as everyone filed in. With the warriors, council members, Rowan triplets and now Ramiel and some of his fellow angels, the space was standing room only. It was probably time to expand this area of the house, because even though they had brought in extra chairs, they were packed in like overly-grown sardines.
Poor Nate was scrambling, trying his damnedest to stay on top of things, bringing more food and drinks for their guests. Zander had never seen the dragon shifter sweat, but he looked like he’d just run ten miles, huffing and cussing his frustration.
“No, Mack, I haven’t fed Pip yet, I’m a little busy here if you hadn’t noticed,” Nate snapped, setting the plates, napkins and flatware on the buffet table.
“Sheez, dragon-breath, I was just asking a question, don’t get your panties in a wad. I’ll take care of it,” Mack countered, turning to make her way through the crowd and out the double-doors of the war room.
“You might want to apologize, she tends to have a violent streak,” Kyran interjected, “and, trust me, you don’t want to be on the receiving end of her blade,” his brother added with a grimace, rubbing his chest.
A laugh escaped Zander’s throat. He’d heard the story of how Mack had plunged a knife in Kyran’s chest when they were trapped together on the island of Khoth. The irony of mates, he thought, shaking his head. Now, Kyran and Mack were as closely bonded as he was to Elsie, and Mack would be the first one to jump in front of a bullet for her mate.
“Thanks for the reminder. I’ll have the cook make her some cheese fries later, she’ll be apologizing to me if I bring her a plate of those,” Nate joked.
Elsie stood up from where she was sitting, grabbing Zander’s attention. “Nate, everything looks great in here, let’s go to the kitchen and see how the staff is coming along with the rest of the food. Don’t worry, you’re doing a fantastic job,” she reassured, rubbing his back as he turned to join her.
“Thank you, Miss E, I appreciate that,” Nate replied, smiling warmly at the Vampire Queen. Zander was always awed by Elsie’s way of reaching to the heart of others. Zander puffed with pride over his mate, he was one lucky sonovabitch, all right.
His gaze traveled to Ramiel who was fixated on Elsie’s retreating back. The angel might’ve agreed to work with him for Isobel’s sake, but Zander was no fool. That male still carried a torch for Elsie, and Zander would be watching his ass like a hawk. He wasn’t sure if there was a hidden agenda, but he wouldn’t be taking any risks. Regardless, Ramiel didn’t stand a chance with Elsie. Zander’s bond to her was as solid as their mating stone.
Clearing his throat, Zander captured the attention of the room. “Please, make yourselves a plate and grab a drink. I apologize for the lack of space. We regularly have large meetings, but never this big. I have a feeling this is the beginning of a new era so rest assured I plan to renovate soon,” he announced, drawing a round of moans and groans from the Dark Warriors. They did renovations on the compound themselves so his warriors knew what was in store for them.
“I believe now is a good time for me to take that vacation to the Bahamas,” Bhric blurted, raising his glass in Zander’s direction.
“Here, here, make that a trip for two,” Orlando jumped in, clinking his drink with Bhric’s.
“Nay, nay, brathair,” Zander argued, “you are going to be the invaluable to this project so I’ll be confiscating all passports. You two can take a vacation when I know Isobel is safe, not a moment sooner,” he ordered, “which is why I’ve asked everyone here today. I know you’ve been brought up to speed on the birth of my firstborn nighean, Isobel, and the mark she carries of our beloved Triskele
Amulet.”
“Speakin’ of, when do we get ta meet your beautiful daughter?” Tia asked. The voodoo mambo was the newest council member and sitting in on behalf of Marie Leveau. She was also mated to Zeke Jackson, feline shifter and second in command to the Omega, Hayden Jesaray. She had become an asset to the council and a breath of fresh air, not to mention the friendship she’d formed with Elsie. They’d found common ground in food and his mate lapped up every recipe Tia was willing to share. He’d eaten so much Cajun food during her pregnancy Zander didn’t know if he could tolerate another dish any time soon.
As if summoned, Elsie walked in, cradling Isobel, Cailyn right behind her. Elsie’s sister had assumed responsibility as Isobel’s nanny so that Elsie could resume her role as Vampire Queen. Zander knew his mate was eager to get back to Elsie’s Hope, her foundation that helped human families deal with the loss of a loved one. Luckily, Shae had joined her and Breslin in running the business, so he knew she’d be able to make the time for their daughter.
“Everyone, this is Isobel Annis Tarakesh, and Isobel, this is everyone,” she cooed, turning her to face the crowd.
Hearing Isobel’s middle name, his mother’s name, filled his heart. How he wished she was there for this moment in their life. She would be over the moon in love with Isobel. “The first ban-ogha in the Tarakesh family. Mamai and Da are looking down from Annwyn and smiling,” Zander boasted then applause and cheers erupted, startling Isobel, who let out a loud wail.
“I’d say our Izzy has her mama’s temper,” Orlando said with a soft chuckle as the room quieted.
Elsie stuck out her tongue in response. “In a houseful of warriors, one has to be loud to be heard. I’ve got your back, baby,” she muttered, snuggling Isobel close.
“Here, sis, I’ll take her out to the pool area during the meeting. Come join us when you’re done,” Cailyn offered. Elsie handed the baby over to her sister, garnering lots of blown kisses and coos towards the baby as she left the room. Zander didn’t miss the way Elsie’s gaze remained on the baby and her sister or the fine lines that bracketed her mouth when she turned to the room. His mate didn’t want to be separated from their baby, but understood her role as Queen required it at the moment.
Refocusing, Zander murmured, “I think we can get to business now. I would like to introduce everyone to Ramiel, the Guardian Angel sent to protect Isobel,” he said, extending his arm in Rami’s direction. The angel didn’t stand, but nodded his acknowledgement.
Zander continued, “And most of you have met Illianna’s brothers.” Abraxos, Ayil and Araton stood sentry along one of the walls, raising hands as they were named.
“We are surrounded by demons who are after our Princess and they have been joined by a new demon. These creatures have taken up residence outside Zeum’s walls and doona plan on leaving until they have what they came for. Mack has dubbed the new demons Lizardmen. I doona know their powers or weaknesses, but they are gone by sunrise. Problem is that they return each evening at dusk, which is why I asked you to come during the daytime. We need to have our plan of attack in position before dusk,” Zander continued. “I willna allow this threat to my family to continue.”
“Sounds like the Sheti,” Jace interjected, “offspring of women impregnated by fallen angels. They haven’t been seen for over a thousand years. Legend says they live beneath sea level and come to the surface to inhabit human flesh after draining their souls,” he informed the group. “My ancestors referred to them as Snake-brothers,” the warrior added.
Jace might hold the title of Dark Warrior, but pride in his Native-American heritage was obvious. He was constantly reading the documents passed down from previous generations, including the recently returned Mystik Grimoire. Something Zander admired about Jace was the way he always regarded the information he found as hallowed. The Mystik Grimoire was linked to Jace’s lineage and the Miakodas were the only ones who could access the magical tome.
Zander thanked the Goddess he had found Jace all those centuries ago before Lady Angelica was able to break him and win him to her side. The realm could be a very different place if that had happened. Jace may not acknowledge it, but he was the most powerful Sorcerer in the realm, despite the fact that his cousin Evzen held the title of Guild Master. With possession of the Grimoire Jace had the ability to cause great damage, but he would never use that knowledge for nefarious purposes.
“Shite! That sounds like a fucking headache. Add another enemy to the list. Question is, why were the ones I encountered the other night specifically after Isobel? They were no’ concerned with me at all and they made reference to Kadir. Another thing, how did that motherfucker manage to form an alliance with them?” Zander postulated. “Good news is right now they seem to be solely focused on us and the protections and spells we have are keeping them behind our gate, but I need to be one hundred percent positive they won’t be raiding our home.” Zander knew the glamour around the property kept their existence hidden from humans, but he wanted the demons destroyed. If they ever decided to expose themselves to the world, supernaturals would be in a world of trouble.
“I think if we pool all our resources together, we can triple the existing power to a spell,” Gerrick instructed. “The angels have a completely different influence when added to ours and the witches’ magic,” he professed and Jace, Evzen and the female witches all nodded their agreement.
Zander considered what Gerrick said. He had to admit that when the angels had added their weapons of Light at Rhys’ mating ceremony, the force field seemed indestructible. It was certainly worth trying.
“Pema, how soon can you and your sisters be ready to cast?” he asked, anxiety pressing him to begin the process. The Rowan triplets had become invaluable to the Dark Warriors since they helped Jace discover the spell he’d been under for centuries. Not only were they new members of the alliance, it was a matter of habit now to call them first when there was a crisis. The power they wielded when combined as three was like nothing he’d ever felt before.
“I’m texting Ronan as we speak. We should have all the supplies we need at Black Moon. I’m going to ask him to bring Caine and Braeden, as well, to increase our power load. He can probably be here within the hour,” Pema replied, pulling her cell phone out of her back pocket.
“Okay, while we wait for the others to arrive, let’s collaborate on exact roles of everyone that will be participating in the spell. Evzen, since this is your wheelhouse, I’ll let you take over and delegate from here,” Zander announced, taking a seat beside Elsie as Evzen stood, proposing a plan.
As Zander listened to the division of tasks, his pride swelled again at the alliance before him. To have such a vast array of species, coming together for the good of all, was something to behold. Vampires, shifters, sorcerers, witches, angels, cambions and even a voodoo mambo were gathered in a small space, talking, scheming and even laughing together. This is what the Goddess had in mind when she created the Tehrex Realm, and he was honored to be a part of it.
The only one missing was Santiago, and that weighed heavily on Zander’s mind. For Goddess-only-knew-how-long, Santiago had taken it upon himself to be judge, jury and executioner for realm criminals and recently caused the death of a male he’d caught selling the drug Angel’s Kiss.
He wanted more than anything for Santiago to return to his place among the Dark Warriors. He missed his friend and at the same time he wanted to knock some sense into his thick skull and drag him back to Zeum where he belonged. But, Santiago had committed a crime and had to pay the consequence. They existed and functioned as a society because of their laws, and Santi felt he was above it all. Zander could only hope he would come to his senses before it was too late.
Elsie squeezed his thigh, bringing him out of his contemplations. “Hey, you okay?” she asked, concern in her gaze.
“Aye, a ghra, just thinking aboot Santi. He should be a part of this,” he confessed.
“He’ll be back, I won’t think any other way. I
miss him, too,” she half-smiled, reaching over to touch his cheek. He turned his face, kissing her palm.
Their moment was interrupted as Mack burst into the room. “Hey, we got trouble. The protections are going to have to wait. They’ve broken through the gates!” she shouted and everyone jumped to their feet.
“That canna be, it’s no’ dark yet. I willna survive if I go outside,” he spat, looking to the other vampires in the room. None of them could withstand the sun’s effects for long.
“Yeah, I’m pretty sure that’s their plan,” Mack relayed. “We’ll have to kick some ass while you watch from the press box, bloodsuckers. This can’t be put off!” the feisty female exclaimed, rushing over to plant a kiss to Kyran’s mouth, two titanium sgian dubhs already clutched in her hands.
The others in the room jumped up and followed Mack out of the room, drawing weapons as they charged the front doors to Zeum. Zander was hot on their heels, but remained inside. Looking out the windows, he could see countless Sheti making their way up the hill to the house. They weren’t extremely fast, but he couldn’t guess how many there were as a blanket of sea creatures spread over the lawn, getting way too close to his home.
