by Tia Didmon
She screamed when she came, releasing Dante’s neck as waves of ecstasy racked her frame. Her body trembled as she watched the red pin pricks heal over, leaving only a faint trickle of blood on his skin.
He moaned as he came inside her, holding her to him as if she alone held him from complete insanity.
They lay like that for a long time as she waited for her body to calm and her heart to stop racing.
“That was... unexpected.”
“The taste of my blood?”
“Yes. I thought I was still hallucinating there for a moment.”
Dante frowned. “Hallucinating?”
Jess blushed. “I was out of it at the warehouse. I thought the warriors were disappearing. It’s stupid...”
“Jessica, the warriors can shroud themselves. It is one of their gifts.”
Jess sat up. “All warriors have this gift?”
Dante cleared his throat. “Yes, as do all blood demons.”
Jess frowned. “All Weres as well?”
Dante shook his head. “The warriors have a different technique to their disguise than we do. They are a unique breed. Enhanced if you will through their trials.”
“Trials? Like the one where you fight Jordane?”
“I assumed he would take that right, but he has opened it to all the warriors. That means they will compete amongst themselves and I will fight the victor.”
“When do you fight the victor?”
“The last trial was hundreds of years ago. I am told it took three years for the warriors to proclaim their challenger.”
“They won’t... try to kill you right?”
Dante smiled. “My love. They cannot kill me in combat. That is why they wish to fight me. The challenger will eventually lose because his injuries will not heal as mine do. I give them the ultimate fight. A challenge they can find nowhere else.”
“Why do they like to fight so much?”
“They protect the demon race. It is the core of who they are. They use combat to strengthen their skills. Did you not train to become a PIA agent so you can protect those who could not protect themselves?”
Jess sighed. “I guess so. I just don’t want you hurt.”
Dante kissed her. “It comforts me you are concerned for my welfare but hand to hand combat does nothing more than invigorate my demon.”
She put her arms around his neck. “Poor Jordane. I almost feel sorry for him.”
Dante sighed. “He is the oldest of the warriors. I am surprised he has lasted this long. It is a testament to the conviction he has for his people. His pack.”
“Maybe he has held on because he knows his mate is out there waiting for him. Could one of the women...”
Dante shook his head. “There is no way to know but if anyone deserves his happiness, it is Jordane.”
“Well if it means so much to him. I guess you can beat him up.”
Dante laughed. “Trust you to turn an eon old trail of combat into nothing more than a bar brawl.”
Jess smiled. “I call it as I see it,” she drawled.
Dante pulled her close. “I never know what you will say. You bring life and excitement to every breath I take. I look forward to the oncoming centuries.”
“Can we say days or years at least until I get used to the whole immortal thing?”
Dante kissed her. “As you wish my love.”
Jess and Dante stood outside Laura’s apartment in the Davidson building. She fiddled with her hand, running them over the spot where her tracker had been.
Dante touched her wrist. “It’s gone Jessica.”
She nodded. “I know. I’m glad you’re having Jenner dissect it. Maybe he can reverse the signal and get a location on the Ladon stronghold.”
“I hope so. Are you ready?”
She laced her fingers with Dante’s. “Yes, I want to see how Maddie is doing.”
Dante knocked before entering the suite. Valen was on the phone and nodded to the couple. Laura was making cupcakes with yellow icing and bright colored sprinkles. She put the tray of baked goods on the counter.
“Jess I’m so glad you are here. Maddie has been asking for you.”
Jess cleared her throat. “She’s okay? I mean mentally...”
Laura pointed down the short hallway. “Go check for yourself and tell Chad his dinner is almost ready.”
Jess went down the hall and entered the small bedroom. Maddie was sitting on the pristine white bedspread with the ugly gray cat and a German Shepard curled at the foot of her bed. She looked up smiling.
Maddie jumped up and ran over to Jessica. “Auntie Jess! I was so worried about you.”
Jess laughed. “I think you have that backwards. I was worried about you.”
Maddie held up her wrist. The stump had five little nubs forming on the end. “It doesn’t hurt anymore.”
Jess touched the new skin. “Are those fingers?”
Maddie nodded vigorously. “They will be. Valen says children don’t regenerate as fast as adults but they will grow back. I have to keep my arm hidden in public though.”
Jess nodded. “Yeah, humans don’t regrow their limbs.”
Maddie shrugged. “Either do demons unless they have help from their healer... or Dante.”
Her words surprised Jess. “You know about the demons. About Chad?”
Maddie laughed. “Of course, silly, uncle Valen showed me everything when he helped me.”
“Showed you?” she asked.
Maddie nodded. “He has special gifts. He took away the hurt. I remember some things but most of it is hazy. He says I will regain my memory when I’m older. That the accident isn’t a memory I need now.”
Jessica connected with Dante. Tell Valen I cannot thank him enough for what he has done. Maddie isn’t experiencing any aftermath from the trauma thanks to him.
Dane shimmered in her mind. I will but you can talk to him whenever you wish. He is the prince, connected to all and as he is my brother, we share the same blood.
I’m still getting accustomed to you in my head. I think I’ll keep this just the two of us for now.
As you wish. He disconnected with the equivalent of a mental smile.
Jess looked around the small clean room. “Where is Chad?”
Maddie went over to the bed and started petting the German Sheppard. “He’s sleeping. Helping me makes him tired.”
Jess pointed to the dog in surprise. “That’s Chad?”
Maddie nodded smiling.
Jess sat on the bed and began to pet the slumbering dog. “He could choose any form he wanted. I wonder why he chose this one?”
Maddie looked at Chad. There was a sadness that didn’t belong on a young girl. “I think it’s because he likes helping us. He picked a form popular to humans instead of one popular to his own.”
Jess was surprised by the insight of the small girl she had loved since the day she was born. “That’s incredibly astute Maddie.”
Maddie shrugged. “He doesn’t just help people.” She petted the cat curled up next to Chad. “He helps animals too. Blam would have died if Chad hadn’t helped him.”
Jess touched the frail feline. “Does Laura know he is prolonging Blam’s life?”
Maddie shrugged. “Valen said we do what is necessary to keep the ones we love happy.”
“As long as Blam isn’t in pain...”
Maddie looked up. “He isn’t. Chad makes it go away.”
“Chad seems like a miracle.” Jess said.
Maddie’s look sobered. “He is, so is Valen. It wasn’t just the physical hurt I needed help with Auntie Jess.”
Jess acknowledged the tingle of fear. “Go on sweetie.”
Maddie pet the dog, with devotion in her eyes. “I feel things. Things other people don’t. I knew daddy didn’t love me. Not like you and Granny did.”
Jess closed her eyes for a second, wishing she could spare Maddie the truth. “I’m so sorry baby...”
“It’s okay. Dante’s told me he
is my new Daddy and you are my mommy. I’m happy Jess. I could always feel your love for me. And it’s there when I connect with Dante, Valen and Chad.”
“You have talked to Dante... telepathically?”
Maddie nodded. “He says it’s normal for our family. Something about our blood. You do it too, right?”
Jess nodded. “Yes, that’s right honey. If you are ever in trouble, simply call out and...”
“Jordane and his pack will rescue me. He told me. He’s kinda cute,” she said slyly.
Jess coughed uncomfortably. “Jordane was here also? I can’t turn my back for a minute and you have half the demon species at your door.”
Maddie laughed. “I like my new family Jess. They make me feel special. You and Granny were the only people who did that.”
Jess hugged her. “You are special baby.”
Maddie returned the affection. “Dante said we have a baby calf. He said I could name her.”
Jess laughed. “We do. Have you picked a name?”
“Yes, Molly Moo.”
Jess felt the happiness bloom inside her. Maddy was ecstatic. Happier than Jess had ever seen her. She reached out to Dante. How did you do all this in such a short time?
Maddie is an Empath Jessica. That is her gift. She knows our love for her is genuine. She feels safe and knows that for the rest of her life she will have many to love and watch over her.
Maddie said Jordane came to visit her.
Yes, that was unexpected. Jordane felt protective at the warehouse. Maddie took to him right away. He said he could feel the child’s affection for him. Her gift is strong and for a race of men who feel nothing. A child’s love is a rare and special gift.
Can she do that for all the unmated men?
We don’t know, I believe she has a child’s crush on Jordane.
I think you are right.
I will let Jordane know. Maddie is not his mate, but he says he feels the need to protect her as if she were a child of his own. That is... unusual.
I have to be honest. The warriors make me a little nervous but Maddie doesn’t feel that. If she has a pack of men that scare the hell out of me protecting her. I’m going with it. I need her safe.
The warriors are supposed to inspire fear Jessica. That is their role in our society. Women and children however are safe.
Women don’t commit crimes in your society?
Until Adrianna, it had never happened, but she was abused so badly we cannot hold her responsible for her actions.
Who abused her?
The leader of PURE.
Human or Demon because if she met with one of the Lestant brothers. We need to talk to her.
I will have Laura speak to her. She only allows Laura near her now. Thank you, Jessica. I was so focused on what was happening now I forgot about that connection. He disconnected.
Laura entered with the colorful cupcakes on a tray. “How’s it going girls? Are we ready for some sweet treats?” she said placing the tray on the dresser beside the bed.
Chad put his head up and yawned, his ears stood up as he licked his lips.
Maddie laughed. “Chad looks like he’s ready.”
Laura huffed. “How was I supposed to guess he was the Littlest Hobo?”
Maddie frowned. “What’s the Littlest Hobo?”
Jess laughed. “It was a show in the eighties about a dog that traveled the countryside helping people.”
Laura’s eyes narrowed. “Chad, you look just like that dog. I know he passed away several years ago but what are the chances you helped inspire that series?”
Chad looked away sheepishly. He made short noises that sounded like speech.
Laura put her hands on her hips. “Uh, huh. You have been parading around in this form helping humans for hundreds of years. You left your mark somewhere.”
Jess leaned down. “Is it me or is Laura talking to the dog?”
Maddie laughed. “She can talk to Chad because he is part human. Only auntie Kiki can talk to animals.”
Jess put up her hands. “She was here too! I feel like I was gone for days.”
Maddie smiled. “You weren’t, but it’s nice to have so many people care about you.”
Jess nodded. “It is.”
Maddie’s eyes brightened. “Kiki said she will teach me self defense and how to shoot. We’re gonna wait till my hand grows back first though.”
Jess sighed. “That sounds like Kiki. What did she think of Chad?”
She laughed. “She adored him. He licked her face and made her laugh.”
Jess frowned. “Does she know he’s a demon? The man she met at the warehouse?”
Maddie frowned. “No, I don’t think so. Why would that matter?”
Jess put on a fake smile. “I’m sure it won’t.”
Her and Laura exchanged a quick glance. Neither one of them were sure that was true.
Jess was laughing with Laura and Maddie when Dante connected with her.
Valen and I are going to the mansion to check the reconstruction. We have five crews working to finish but my brother is impatient to return to our home.
There was a lot of damage Dante.
I am aware. Valen’s demon does not enjoy being in proximity to so many humans that are... uncomfortable in our presence. He wants his bride in a more secure location.
No location is secure from a rocket launcher.
It is when you are living there.
I was there the last time.
You are stronger now. Your reach will be farther and you will be able to shield our entire property now.
Jess frowned. Why would I be stronger?
You know why.
Your blood.
Yes. Satisfaction filtered in her mind.
Feeling a little smug, are we? She said with laughter.
Hardly. I was doubting my ability to woo you.
Woo me? You really dated yourself with that one.
When I get back, I will prove to my bride that my age has not diminished my vigor.
Jess laughed. I think you’ll use any excuse to get me in bed.
True. He disconnected.
Jess realized Maddie and Laura were looking at her. “What?”
Laura smiled. “You started laughing. Don’t worry, I know what it’s like when you are carrying on two conversations. I’m trying to learn not to let my emotions show when talking to Valen privately.”
Jess winced. “I never thought of that. I must look like a crazy woman.”
Maddie laughed. “It was a little weird.”
Laura smiled. “I went to the coffee shop with Jenner once. Valen made some stirring comments. I answered using my outside voice.”
Jess laughed. “What did Jenner do?”
Laura smiled slyly. “The patrons were giving Jenner some pretty funny looks. They thought he was having a really good day. Jenner was mortified, he ushered me home and had some words with my husband. I am far more careful now.”
“I hate to say this but I kinda enjoy Jenner’s discomfort. He’s a little too serious.”
Laura smiled. “You’re as bad as Kiki. She terrorizes my brother.”
Jess nodded. “I know we worked an op together. Kiki and I were hell on Jenner.”
Laura stood up. “I heard about that. I’m making some tea. I’ll go grab it while you feed Chad a cupcake.” She left the room.
Maddie grabbed a cupcake and unwrapped the bottom, holding it out to Chad.
Jess looked at her. “Are you sure cupcakes are good for dogs?”
Chad snatched up the cupcake, then swallowed it in one bite, looking at her like she was crazy.
Maddie laughed. “Chad isn’t like other dogs. I think he can eat whatever he wants. He likes sweets.”
Jess laughed. “I hadn’t noticed.”
Dante connected with her. Jessica My love. I am sorry.
Dante are you all right?
They have betrayed us. Do not come till I tell you it is safe. He disconnected.
; Laura ran in the room. “Jess something has happened. Valen has disconnected from me. He never does that unless he’s in danger.”
Jess stood. “Dante did the same. He said they were betrayed before he shut me out. He told me to stay here until it was safe.”
Laura looked shocked. “And you plan to listen to him?”
Jess huffed. “Not a chance. I’m grabbing my gun and getting suited up.”
Laura nodded. “That’s the Jess we know and love.”
Jessica’s eyes narrowed. “What are you planning Laura?”
“Kiki and Jenner will be here in five minutes to take us to the mansion.”
“How do we get in touch with the warriors?”
Laura shook her head. “Valen can talk to them and Dante can communicate with Jordane but I can only do it through Valen.”
“Dammit,” Jess cursed.
Maddie rolled over to the small dresser that held the cupcakes. She opened the drawer and pulled out a cell phone. “Jordane gave me this. It has his number and the numbers of every member of his pack. He said to call him if I ever needed anything.” She held the phone out to Jess.
Jess took the phone. “Oh honey, you are such a miracle.”
Dante looked around the Mansion. While the construction was nearly complete, they had found all the workers gone. Valen was enraged the supervisor had given everyone the day off until the man shifted into Draven Lestant.
Dante growled. “Where is the human you are impersonating?”
Draven shrugged with indifference. “Dead. There were too many to kill without calling attention. It was easier to let everyone go, saying we had to halt construction for a permit we missed.”
Dante huffed. “You always were intelligent Draven. Almost as smart as your brother. Why waste it on a scheme like this?”
Draven rolled his shoulders. “We want you to work for us Dante. If you come quietly, I will spare Valen.”
Valen’s demon leapt to the surface. “That will never happen.” He growled as his fingers lengthened into claws.
Draven pulled a weapon and shot him.
Valen staggered back before going to his knees.
