by Tia Didmon
Dante knelt beside his brother. “You will die for this treachery,” he hissed.
Draven shrugged, “It is a new poison we developed. Since Valen’s talent can circumvent the psychic bullet, we needed a more direct approach. The foul prince is our first test subject.”
Valen groaned, clutching his stomach.
Dante put his wrist to Valen’s mouth. Valen appeared to take long sucks but in fact took little of Dante’s blood.
Draven smiled. “That should be enough to save your prince and weaken you for a short time.”
Dante stood. “You attacked me before the cotillion. Took my blood for your purposes.”
“Yes, that’s when we learned that you needed time to regenerate. That works to our advantage.” He said in an emotionless tone.
Dante huffed. “And you think I am just going to go with you?”
“Of course not. You have the choice of coming with me or me putting a dozen of these bullets into your brother. Your blood has limited effectiveness. It will lose its ability to heal once you are too weak and Valentino will die. You come now he lives.”
Dante growled. “Why would I trust you?”
“You know I want you alive and killing Valentino now would be a mercy. I want him to suffer. To witness the complete destruction of his race before he dies.”
“Why do you hate us so? We did nothing to you.”
“Not you but your direct ancestor signed the death warrant for my species. We thought we had killed them all off. Until the day we saw Carina.”
Dante startled. “My mother?”
“She was a direct descendant of the man who ordered our death. We didn’t realize her mother had a child and given her up before we caught up to her.”
“You killed my grandparents.” Dante said with pain.
“Yes. I wanted to kill Carina the moment I saw her. She looked just like her mother... only more beautiful. There was something about her. Louis gave her a choice. She could have lived, but she denied him.”
“She would never have betrayed my father.”
“Your father would have been dead. She could have saved her children. Could have had another if she chose.”
“She was past the childbearing age. You know this.”
“Your blood could have made her reproductive organs more youthful.”
Dante was sickened by what he was hearing but an idea formed. One he knew his bride and brother would hate. “I will go with you.”
Valen croaked. “No!”
Draven smiled cruelly. “I thought you would see things my way.”
Chapter 13
Jess sent out a strong mental push. There’s nothing she wouldn’t do to find Dante, and she was making sure he knew it. Dante where the hell are you?
Dante shimmered in her mind. We are at the mansion. Ensure Chad accompanies you. They have poisoned Valen. Tell Jordane...
We are already en route. Our ETA is less than two minutes.
They are taking me to another location. I will contact you if I am able.
Fear squeezed Jessica’s chest. No! They have a way of blocking psychic ability. If they get you to their stronghold. I could lose you.
I sense your fear. I need you to trust me. If there is a chance, they will take me to the women. I must take it.
Dante wouldn’t pass up an opportunity to learn the women’s location. She admitted she would do the same thing. Please be careful. I can’t lose you. She felt the stroke on her skin like he was standing beside her. She turned inside the van, met by Jordane’s speculative gaze.
Have faith my love. Then he was gone.
Jess had been surprised Laura had gone with Kiki and her squad. She glanced at Jenner driving before turning to Jordane, who sat with five large warriors in the back of the cargo van. “Valen’s hurt. They poisoned him. Dante wants him secured before we attempt to track him.”
Jordane nodded. “Does Dante know where they are taking him?”
Jess shook her head. “He is hoping it is the same location as the women. He struggled to communicate with me.”
“They have a psychic dampener. He can only communicate with you now. Possibly Valen. It will become more difficult for him the farther we get from him.”
Jess tilted her head against her seat. “That’s what I’m afraid of.”
Jordane’s eyes flickered an emerald green before he spoke. “Dante is the Blood Guardian. It is his birthright to protect the prince and his people. His demon will demand he finds those women.”
Jess hated what he was saying yet she understood it was true. “I thought that was the warriors’ job.” She snapped, regretting the anger in her voice.
Jordane nodded. “It is our duty to hunt and destroy any demon who threatens us. That now encompasses the Ladon race. Dante is and shall always be our prince.”
Jess frowned. “I don’t understand. Valen is the prince.”
“Both are princes. Valen is the blooded prince of our people. He connects all and must be protected above all others. Dante is the blood guardian. He protects and is the warrior’s prince. We follow him in all things.”
“He’s like your commander?”
“Yes, I am the warrior’s leader. But the prince is mine.”
Jess rubbed her face. “My head hurts.”
“It is not unlike your hierarchy,” Jordane said.
“No, I’m just used to being at the bottom.”
“Jessica, you are a bride. A mate in my culture. No demon alive, mated or not that won’t die to protect you. The hierarchy does not apply to women. You are more important than us.”
Jess frowned. “No Jordane, no life outweighs another. That isn’t how it works.:
“Only women can bring forth life.”
Jess watched the mansion come into view. “We are almost there. When this is over, I want to know how you do the disappearing act.”
“It is a talent that only a senior warrior possesses.”
“Will you tell me how you do it?”
Jordane’s face never wavered. “No.”
The van stopped. The back door of the vehicle opened; six men shimmered before she was looking at an empty truck. “That shit isn’t freaky at all.” She said as she jumped out of the passenger’s side. Jenner ran beside her with his weapon drawn as they entered the mansion.
Jordane was helping Valen to his feet. The prince seemed a little light headed and staggered slightly but otherwise appeared in good health.
Jess looked around. “Dante?”
Valen growled. “They took him. They wish to use him. His blood.”
“He let them capture him. He’s hoping they take him to same location they have the women.”
Valen closed his eyes. “I should have expected that.”
Kiki arrived on scene with her squad. They held their personalized demon killer in their hands. Laura ran to Valen, hugging him.
Zane glanced at Kiki before addressing Jess. “Where are they?”
Jess shook her head. “They took Dante. They are holding several women hostage so please make certain an innocent isn’t in the line of fire before they shoot those things.”
Zane rolled his shoulders. “It’s my understanding you are no longer in a position to give orders.”
Jenner stepped up. “I sure as hell am. You point a DK10 at a non-combatant and you’ll be stripped of your weapon and set loose. I don’t care if my father put this shit force together, I will take it down if you step out of line.”
Jess saw the quick tip of a smile on Kiki’s face and the scowl from Zane. “You are not my boss Jenner. I report to senator Baker.”
Jenner’s eyes narrowed. “That’s about to change.”
Kiki huffed. “Can you two stop measuring your dicks and get a plan together? We need to retrieve Dante but no non-combatants will be endangered... right Zane. We know what happens if we fuck up.”
Zane squinted. “We won’t harm an innocent.”
Jordane’s eyes turned a bright green. “Kik
i you and your team were chosen yet you are ignorant of the weapon you wield.”
Zane stepped forward. “I’m the leader of this squad. You talk to me.” He raised his gun, but kept the barrel aimed at the ground.
A warrior advanced on Zane. “They do not understand the power they have gained. You should reclaim...” Jordane held up his hand. “They were chosen or they would not be standing before us. I will give them a chance. If they fail, they die.”
Zane shifted the gun he held. “Are you threatening me demon?”
Jordane waved his hand, and every DK10 deactivated. He snapped the gun from Zane’s shocked hands. It powered up as Jordane looked it over. “This weapon has chosen you. While you have dominion over it. I have dominion over all. If you do not heed this one rule. If you attempt to kill that which you know is innocent. You die.” Jordane handed the gun back to Zane.
Zane’s face held complete confusion. “How...”
Jordane flicker his hand. The DK10’s all powered up. “That weapon has a human construct, but it has and shall always belong to the demon race.”
Kiki’s face paled when Jordane came over to her. “I have allowed them this chance because I believe in you. Do not let me down mio amato.”
Valen groaned then rubbed his forehead.
Jess went over to him. “You okay.”
Valen was watching Kiki and her squad talk in a circle. The special unit was assessing the warriors.
Jess felt the tension mounting. “What did Jordane call her. Zane looks pissed.”
Valen sighed. “Jordane called her his beloved.”
“Oh shit.”
Jess forced her gaze back to Valen. She didn’t have time for the byplay between the death squad and the warriors. “How do we find Dante? Can you use your mind thingy?”
Valen face scrunched in disgust. “The power of the demon people is not a thingy.”
Jess clenched her fists. “I don’t care what you call it. I want Dante back.”
Valen’s features softened. “I assure you Jessica, there is nothing I won’t do to acquire my brother.”
Jess swallowed loudly. “I can’t connect with him. I’m scared.” The confession was rare and Valen knew it.
He nodded. “I cannot reach him either. There is another way but you will not be comfortable with it.”
Jess grabbed Valen’s arm. “I don’t care if it hurts. I’ll do anything.”
Valen smiled. “I appreciate your conviction but it will not be painful. It will require you to lower your shields for me to enter your mind. It is something I would never ask of you if there was another way but you took Dante’s blood recently as did I. While we both have his blood in our veins, we may be able to cut through the barrier they are using for a short time to garner his location.”
Jess nodded. “Just tell me what to do.”
“Laura, Jenner and Maddie will also be present.” He said.
Jess started. “Why include Maddie? I don’t want her...”
Valen eyes swirled with red fire. “Maddie is Dante’s chosen daughter. You and Maddie are now and forever family. What happens to one happens to all.”
Jessica put her hands over her eyes, holding back the tears. “I always wanted that for her. For us. We had no one care...”
Valen touched her arm in affection. “You are part of us Jessica. So is Maddie. We will feel your love for Dante, for Maddie but you will feel ours for you as well.”
Jessica took a slow breath. “I guess there are no secrets in a demon family.”
Valen inclined his head. “I admit it is difficult to plan a surprise within a blood demon family unit.”
Jessica stared at Jenner, talking to Kiki and the squad. “I’m surprised Jenner let Dante...”
Valen held up a hand. “He didn’t. He offered his blood if needed but as Laura and him have a familiar bond, I already have it.”
“Okay, do what you need to do.”
Valen nodded. “I will address all demons. That you heard me the last time raises the question if other hybrids will receive my call.”
Jess glanced over at the warriors. None were speaking. All were looking at Kiki. “I think you should address them. We don’t know if all hybrids will hear you or just the brides but why not encourage them to seek you out?”
Valen rubbed his chin. “That is a very good idea.”
Jess put her hands on her hips. “So how do we do this?”
Valen motioned the warriors to join him. “I will call out to the Ladon.”
Jenner came over to group, giving Jordane a dirty look. “What’s happening?”
Jess inclined her head “Valen is going to do the demon mind trick.”
Jenner sighed. “The demon party line. I hate that shit.”
Jess startled when she heard Laura’s voice snap inside her head. Jenner, Maddie is with us now. Mind your language.
Jenner winced. I apologize Miss. Maddie. I didn’t realize your uncle had opened communications yet. He shot Valen a dirty look.
Valen shrugged. It takes a moment to prepare and is easier to start with the family. I need Jessica comfortable with us if we are to find Dante. His blood is the strongest in her.
Maddie’s mind shimmered. You can do this Jess. I love you.
Jess grabbed her chest as the full force of Maddie’s emotions hit her. Innocence, devotion and love combined to make her breathe deeply to contain her reaction. Her new daughter had complete trust in her. It took her a moment to realize Valen and Jenner were also holding their chests.
Valen blew out a long breath. “A child’s love is a powerful thing but mixed with her empathic abilities...”
Jenner cleared his throat. “Let’s do this.”
Jess focused on her mental walls, willing them to drop. The moment they were down she felt Valen connect. She was pulled into his mind, racing through the inner shields of his consciousness. It felt like passing through a thousand mirrors until she stood in front of a glowing orb that crackled with power. Blast’s of white light sizzled and arced in multiple directions, yet she felt safe. Protected.
The glow from the orb intensified. Hear me. I am the blood prince. A new race of demon has emerged. They are the Ladon and they have conspired to destroy all other demon races. They have abducted my brother. The blood guardian. They have taken our women. Your women, and use them in the most despicable ways. I ask your help in locating them. I ask you to proclaim your loyalty. To join me in this fight.
Jessica felt the darkness as Louis connected. You call yourself a prince. Your ancestors orchestrated the destruction of the Chameleon race. My brother and I have created our own. The Ladon will destroy all. You are nothing more than the spawn of that treacherous bitch that bore you.
Valen’s anger flared in his mind. His love for his mother a living breathing entity that had not diminished in the hundreds of years since her death. You admit before the entire demon race your intent to annihilate us.
Louise laughed. We have killed a thousand demons, left no species untouched. Some are already extinct. I will exterminate them all before I am done and I will use your brother’s blood to further my cause.
Jess saw the orb solidify. It looked like a steel ball. Valen shimmered in her mind. Jess call to Dante.
Jess focused all her energy. Dante, where are you?
His power was weak when he connected. Jessica.
Jessica felt relief flood through her. Do you know where they’ve taken you?
I am restrained, but I saw a sign with red flashing dice on a post not long before they led me into a warehouse.
Jenner’s voice sounded hollow as he spoke. The Ladon’s Lair casino erected a red neon sign with flashing dice on it yesterday.
I am somewhere on the property then but I hear nothing. They have not started operations yet.
Valen’s mind felt like it was everywhere at once. Dante, Louis is furious with our mother. Are you aware of an altercation between them?
I am sorry my brother. Louis gave
her a choice at the cotillion to be his queen and live or die painfully. You know what she chose.
The weight of Valen’s sorrow was crushing as the orb lit up once more. Louis Lestant you are a traitor, every warrior will hunt you to the ends of this earth to ensure your destruction and those that follow you.
Everyone felt Louis’ anger as it lashed out. You are nothing! But I will wait to kill you Valentino. You and your brother shall witness the destruction of all the demon races before you die in pain at my feet.
A lofty goal Louis. Valen said mockingly.
Louis snarled. Ladon! Denounce the fake prince now!
Jess felt the jolt as hundreds of minds denounced the prince of the demon people. She could feel Valen’s pain, could see that the Ladon were being forced into a war they could never understand. As bitter as that pain was hope was stronger.
She felt the love and sadness of hundreds of demons as they swore fidelity to Valen. Species, culture, nothing mattered now. Only survival and all recognized the power the prince held. Only one man could hold everyone together. One family and Jessica now belonged to it.
I swear fidelity to my family. Jess said.
Valen mind seem to strengthen. My sister is human. For those that hear this call that do not understand their heritage. Come to me. I am Valentino Moretti and I am not only your prince. I am your family.
Maddie’s mind shimmered against the orb. I love you uncle Valen.
Jess watched as the white arc caressed the tiny consciousness. You are a precious gift little one. The orb solidified, closing to all others except the family contained within its shields but not before she felt the surprise of the demon species. For a split second all felt Maddie’s love. All felt her devotion to her new family.
Jess got out of the vehicle the moment it rolled to a stop in front of the Ladon’s Lair casino. The sign with the red dice flashed but the building still had piles of wood stacked beside the doors and was dark inside.
Jordane and the warriors exited the back of the van as the black PIA truck pulled up and Kiki’s squad got out of theirs. They were wary of the demon soldiers, especially their leader.
Jenner motioned Kiki and Zane over.
