Isobel: (Dark Warrior Alliance Book Six)

by Brenda Trim

  “Fine, let’s do this,” he barked, unwilling to back down. Elsie was his everything and he refused to have this male between them. Looked like he was going to do something he regretted, after all.

  Elsie was quick to intervene, “I’m coming, too. I have something to say to both of you,” she blurted, hugging her sister then Jace before leading the way from the medical room. Without stopping, she practically stomped to the training room down the hall.

  “I can’t do this. You two are going to have to come to some sort of treaty. We have to work together to keep Isobel safe. That’s my number one priority and it should be yours, as well. If you two are fighting, that will never happen and mistakes are sure to follow. And, mistakes are something I will not tolerate. Not when my daughter’s life is on the line. So, here’s what’s going to happen. You are both going to look me in the eye and promise to put aside your testosterone for once,” she ordered, arms folded across her chest. She was so fucking sexy when she was bossy.

  “I need to finish what I was saying earlier,” Rami pointed out, taking a stance beside Elsie. “How can you sit by and watch her fight your battles? She is your Queen, the mother of your child, and should be cherished and protected, period. I can’t concentrate on Isobel if I’m more concerned about Elsie,” he finished.

  With that, Zander exploded. Taking several steps, he quickly had his hands around Rami’s toga and shoved the male against the wall. “You need to mind your fucking business, Angel! Elsie isna the same female you knew, in case you havena noticed. She’s got a mind of her own and is capable of more than you give her credit for. She’s a fearless fighter and a respected leader. And, mark my word, I will take care of her, she isna yours to worry aboot,” he spat, rage leaking from every pore.

  “Yeah, you did a fine job earlier, just look at her,” he snapped, shoving Zander away. Unable to control his fury, he pulled his arm back and with a balled fist, punched Ramiel in the mouth.

  Elsie quickly jumped between them, placing her hands on Zander’s chest and shoving. “This is what I’m talking about. Stop acting like children! Ramiel, Zander is right, I have changed. I can take care of myself. And Zander, Ramiel is here to protect Isobel and that demands our cooperation and respect, so deal with it!” she shouted, her blue eyes blazing with anger.

  His mate was right, as usual. Fighting with Ramiel solved nothing. Forcing his fists to unclench, Zander inhaled and tried to relax.

  “Fine, I promise to put aside our differences. We need your help, Ramiel,” Zander gritted through clenched teeth, raking a hand through his hair.

  Elsie turned to Rami, pinning him with a glare. He looked at her then to Zander. He didn’t have to say what he was thinking. His expression said it all. He didn’t like Zander any more than Zander liked him. But, he hadn’t left yet which told Zander one of two things; either protecting Isobel was more than just an option for the angel, or, he was still in love with Elsie. Zander guessed the latter was more likely and that didn’t bode well.

  “I’m good with that. I need to focus on Isobel and that’s what I’ll do. In fact, I’ll go and check on her now,” he offered, turning and leaving the room.

  “I doona trust him. He has a hidden agenda,” Zander said, walking over to Elsie. She didn’t resist when he pulled her into his arms. He took that as a sign that she wasn’t too angry with him. Settling her against his chest, he felt the remaining tension leak from his body.

  “He’s a part of our lives now, Zander. I don’t think he has a hidden agenda so please try and give him the benefit of the doubt. We need him, for Isobel,” she pleaded, kissing his cheek. The burn from the sun throbbed from the contact, reminding him he needed her blood.

  “I hope he’s no’ a permanent fixture in our lives. We need to talk to him aboot his plan and how long he intends to be here,” he said, running a finger lightly over her cheek. “Your skin is still blistered. Take blood from me so you can begin to heal,” he demanded, tilting his head to the side.

  “You need blood, too.”

  “I need a lot more than blood, a ghra,” he growled, sliding his hands to her ass and pulling her against his hard body.

  “Just blood for now, the rest we’ll save for later,” she murmured, as he felt her tug his shirt collar aside and sink her fangs into his shoulder.

  Arousal and pleasure raced through his veins as she drew blood from his body. His fangs elongated and pierced the soft flesh at her neck. His cock jerked with each pulse of her heart. It was orgasmic to feed from his mate and he struggled to hold back his release. He knew Elsie was having the same reaction as her body shuddered against his.

  He could feel his skin healing as quickly as her blood flowed through his system. He gained strength and power as he fed from his mate. Their bond intensified and he poured his love into their connection. Suddenly, Elsie pulled away, looking into his eyes, “We should probably get upstairs. I want to check on Isobel and talk to Ramiel about moving in,” she murmured, turning to leave.

  Zander spun her back towards him, “What do you mean, move in? To Zeum? You’re no’ serious, are you?”

  “Of course I’m serious. Where else should he stay? I want him available around the clock until we know Isobel is safe. I was thinking he could stay in her nursery. There’s plenty of room for a bed in there,” she proposed.

  “Nay, that is no’ happening. That’s connected to our bedroom. How is that going to work? Are you comfortable with him that close to our bed?” he questioned.

  Then again, maybe the angel needed to be close. Let him hear Zander making love to Elsie. That would prove to him that she’d moved on.

  “Do I love the idea? Not really, but I’m willing to agree to it for now. I’m not sure he’ll accept, but I’ll offer and see what he says,” she admitted, assuaging some of Zander’s annoyance.

  He hadn’t realized until that moment that he’d needed to hear her say she didn’t love the idea of her dead husband being in close proximity. Zander was certain Ramiel would refuse so Zander decided to pacify her for now.

  “If you think that is the best plan. But, ‘tis temporary. If he plans on staying long-term, we have to move him to another section of the house. And, know this, Lady E. I will have every part of you after my meeting. I doona care who’s in the next room,” he said, claiming her lips in a searing kiss.

  *****

  Ramiel lifted his head as Elsie walked into the nursery. He had Isobel in his arms and Elsie could see her laughing. She had already grown quite a bit. Zander had told her that like the pregnancy, Isobel would grow at a faster rate than human babies. Amazingly enough, she was only a couple weeks old, yet looked like a three month old baby.

  “Hi,” he said, “we were just talking about you. I was telling Isobel how her mommy is the best cook in the whole world. She’s says she wants one of your famous blueberry pies,” he teased, showcasing that dimple on his cheek.

  “Oh, really? She can talk now?” Elsie teased, remembering that was Dalton’s favorite dessert. He could eat the entire thing in one sitting and she was always amazed that he never gained an ounce.

  Seeing him with a baby flooded her brain with memories and the many times they’d talked about having a family. They’d agreed on three. Dalton had wanted two boys and a girl so he could teach the girl martial arts and Elsie wanted to make sure their boys knew how to maneuver around a kitchen. It seemed like a lifetime ago, but here he was, sitting in the rocking chair, cuddling her baby girl. A pang shot through her chest as Elsie realized that he was still the same in so many ways despite what she’d seen him do on the battlefield.

  He laughed, drawing her away from her past. “Not exactly, but not necessary, either. It’s important I establish a link with her telepathically. That way I’ll know when she needs me whether I’m nearby, or not. It’s crucial that I bond with her,” he conveyed, tapping lightly on Isobel’s nose. She kicked her legs in response and reached out trying to grab at his wings. He ruffled his brown feathers, eliciti
ng another round of laughter.

  “Have you ever been assigned a child before?” Elsie inquired, curious about his newfound role.

  As a human, he had worked at a group home for boys and formed exceptional relationships with the young men that lived there. He was compassionate and caring and Elsie could see him excelling as a Guardian Angel.

  “No, like I said before, this is what is expected before I can move on to what my heart desires,” he muttered, gazing into her eyes. It penetrated deeper than she should’ve allowed, but she couldn’t look away. This man had been her whole world at one time and those feelings refused to wash away. He would always hold a piece of her heart, no matter what had happened to rip him from her life.

  “And what is it your heart desires, Rami?” she asked, barely above a whisper.

  He stood and placed Isobel in her arms, his hands caressing Elsie’s skin in the process. She ignored the goosebumps that danced along her flesh and the heat she saw in his gaze.

  “Something I cannot have,” he murmured then shook his head and backed away.

  Clearing his throat, he added, “I’m committed to earning the wings of an Angel of Retribution. That is my heart’s desire.”

  “As in seeking vengeance?” she asked, not sure why this gentle person would want such a thing. Although, he wasn’t exactly the same tender person, she reminded herself.

  “Something like that. The AORs hunt and punish those who’ve committed acts leading to wrongful deaths of innocents. I have the perfect mindset to place judgment against such evil,” he professed. She could feel the fury behind his words and it was frightening.

  “Rami, don’t let what happened to you destroy your kind heart. You’re better than that,” she implored, reaching out to touch him.

  “Oh, I doona know, a ghra, I think we all have a little malice inside us. Wouldna you agree, Rami?” Zander asked caustically as he walked into the room.

  Startled, Elsie jumped, “Oh, hey, how long have you been standing there?”

  “Long enough. The witches and sorcerers are working together to reestablish and enhance the protections. Jace looks much better now and should be completely healed in a couple of days,” Zander shared, not moving from his position in the doorway with hands shoved in his pants pockets.

  “So, I thought for sure Ramiel would have unpacked and settled in by now,” he prompted, walking over and standing beside Elsie, arms crossed over his chest.

  “Oh, I haven’t actually asked him yet. Rami, we’d like you to move into Zeum, for the time being. You can stay in the nursery with Isobel. It will give you more time to establish the connection with her,” Elsie entreated, studying Rami’s reaction to her offer. Because she knew him so well, she knew that he hated the idea, but she couldn’t tell if he was going to accept or not.

  “I don’t know. I don’t want to cause any problems between you and Zander. If anything, put me somewhere else in the house. I can still spend time with Isobel,” he countered, clearly uncomfortable with the notion.

  “Nay, nonsense. We will be fine, Rami. Doona worry aboot us,” Zander promised, wrapping an arm around Elsie’s waist and pulling her flush to his body.

  Elsie could feel the tension mounting between the two and she rolled her eyes. Was this ever going to end? Not likely, she told herself, with these two alphas constantly engaged in a pissing contest

  “Well, since you insist, Zander,” Rami smirked. “Thank you very much. It will help me to have access to your daughter around the clock. Maybe even keep company with Elsie when you’re out saving the world from the bad guys,” he commented, a smirk forming across his handsome face.

  Rami’s taunt made her uncomfortable, but she had to admit that she was happy he had agreed to move in. She’d lost so much time with him and still considered him a friend, no matter what had happened since his death.

  “In your dreams, Angel,” Zander blurted, “but speaking of company, I need some privacy with my mate. Feel free to work on your connection with Isobel. We’ll be in the next room, but I wouldna recommend barging in, if you know what I mean,” he boasted, taking Isobel from Elsie and placing her in Rami’s arms. Zander twined his and Elsie’s fingers together, leading her from the room.

  Elsie looked over her shoulder, hoping Rami wasn’t upset. He didn’t meet her gaze, but instead, turned his back on her and walked back to the rocking chair by the window. As she went to the bedroom with Zander, all she kept thinking to herself was why was it so hard for her to leave Ramiel all alone?

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  Elsie followed Zander perplexed by her emotional state. She shouldn’t be uncomfortable going to their bedroom, but she was. She loved Zander with all her heart, but Rami still held a small piece. A piece that she had been forced to bury in the casket along with his dead body. So, for him to come back brought all those feelings to the surface and confused the hell out of her.

  She needed to slam the door and leave the past where it belonged…in the past. Shaking her head to clear her mind, she froze when she saw the fantasy in front of her eyes. Zander closed the door, shutting out not only Ramiel, but the entire world.

  Soft music played in the background, washing away all worrisome thoughts. Dozens of candles were scattered throughout the room, casting soft shadows against the walls. Vines of honeysuckle wrapped around the posts of the canopy bed, filling the room with their intoxicating aroma. Honeysuckle was her natural scent that Zander found so alluring, not to mention arousing.

  “Dance with me, a ghra.” His husky voice grabbed her attention and Elsie turned to meet glowing blue eyes. Eyes that melted her heart. She nodded and he gently took one of her hands in his as his other wrapped around her waist, pulling her close.

  “This is so beautiful. You never cease to amaze me,” she admitted, lightly kissing him on the lips. Sparks zapped along her skin at the contact, renewing her energy and igniting her desire.

  “This I promise you, my Lady E. I willna ever stop showing how much I love you. You have brought so much to my life and I will spoil you until the day I die,” he whispered in her ear as their bodies swayed to Frank Sinatra’s sexy voice. Zander loved the classics, and this was one of his favorites.

  “Z, you do spoil me, and I’m okay with that,” she murmured, wrapping her arms around his neck and claiming his lips.

  Warm, full lips parted, welcoming her. Her tongue slipped inside his mouth, tangling with his. The music was soft and slow, but her heart was pounding like a rock concert. Breathing became erratic and her skin tingled where he touched. She’d become addicted to the sensations her mate elicited. A simple touch drove her mad and had her body begging for more.

  Passion quickly flared and her core clenched with need. She reached for the buttons of his shirt and with vampiric speed, unfastened each tiny closure and was shoving it off his broad shoulders in a matter of seconds.

  Large hands encircled her waist, “Slow down, my love. We have all night and I plan to go verra slow with you,” he vowed, gripping the soft cotton of her sweater and sliding it off her shoulders, “but we do need to rid you of this…and this,” he said, tugging at the strapless maxi dress, pulling it down over her breasts then hips, allowing it to pool at her feet.

  “Och, you are so fucking sexy. These breasts, I canna get enough of them,” he growled, bending to take one hard tip in his mouth.

  She arched, pulling him closer, shoving more flesh between his fangs. She moaned as his tongue tortured the pebbled area. She ached to feel his bite and pressed her breast further into his mouth.

  “Don’t get too attached,” she panted, “they won’t be this big when I stop nursing.”

  Right on cue, she felt the sharp prick of his fangs right before spasms of pleasure bolted through her veins. He was going to torture her and she loved it.

  His hands were everywhere. Grabbing her breasts, squeezing her ass, palming her sex until she was crazed. His eyes roamed to her face meeting her gaze. Cupping her jaw in his large palms, she m
umbled an incoherent objection when he removed his hands from between her legs, earning a wicked smile from her mate.

  “I doona care aboot the size, you are perfect no matter what. Every inch of your body is exquisite,” he declared, sweeping her into his arms and carrying her to the large bed.

  She glanced up and couldn’t help but grin. A stenciled sign hung above their bed. It was made of weathered wood and in bold letters read Doona disturb. Big Z is making love to his Lady E.

  It reminded her of the promise Zander had made about buying the hospital room where they’d shared a quick, but explosive sexual encounter the day Isobel was born.

  “I love it,” she stated, eyeing the sentimental gesture. That was Zander, always surprising her and one of many reasons she loved him.

  He placed a tender kiss to her lips then gently laid her on the bed as he stood over her, removing his shirt. God, he was a gorgeous specimen. His blistered skin had healed, returning to the beautiful bronze she loved. Broad shoulders and muscular arms that rivaled any bodybuilder showcased the best eight-pack on the planet.