Heat in the Bayou

by Brenda Trim

"You ready?" she asked as the boat appeared before them.

  "Ready as I'll ever be," he replied, climbing into the craft and helping her in. She had driven them into the middle of the bayou, turning left at a tree that he was shocked to see glowing with thousands of sprites, which were small Seelie Fae. Of course, out in the middle of nowhere, there wasn't a risk of them being seen.

  "Keep your hands by your sides and don't reach for da Wendigo. I can keep them back with this talisman," she said, holding up the glowing purple crystal, "but dey will bite if dey can reach you."

  Glancing around warily, Zeke searched for the infamous zombie-like creatures. He spotted them about twenty yards off in the distance. Their eyes glowed yellow-brown and Zeke flinched when he saw the green slime dripping from their fangs. The grass and water sizzled and popped where the slime landed. "No problem there, chicory. There is no way I want that slime touching me."

  She laughed and patted his leg. "No, love, you don't. Dat shit will turn you inta one of dem."

  "What?" he asked incredulously, looking at the tattered clothing that hung from their frail bodies. Through tears in their shirts, Zeke could see vibrant-orange scales and nauseating green pustules that oozed from large sores that seemed to cover their bodies.

  They passed within a few feet of one and the overwhelming smell of decaying flesh made him gag. They seemed to be sluggish and slow, but he'd bet that was deceptive, and, no doubt, they were impossibly fast. Long brown claws flared and reached for their boat before Tia lifted her amulet and showed it to the creature. The responding growl was more like the sound of old heavy door hinges groaning in the wind, but the creature rapidly scurried away, confirming his thoughts on their speed.

  Keeping the purple crystal in hand, Tia reached into her bag and retrieved a red one that, unlike the purple one, wasn't glowing. "More surprises?" he asked.

  "Of course, you didn't tink Marie was out here wit'out protection, did you?"

  Shaking his head, he replied, "Don't know what I was thinking, but I should have known the Voodoo Queen ruled with an iron fist. Vicious and deadly would be her game."

  She laughed and kissed him lightly before turning back to the swamp. The red amulet started glowing about the same time he saw the creature floating above a shack on stilts. The shack looked like it could blow over from a stiff wind, but the creature above it had his full attention.

  It was a skeletal being that was cloaked in black like the grim reaper. All Zeke could see were its skull and hands, which were nothing but bones. Its eyes were empty black holes.

  "Dat is a wraith. Marie's babies," Tia murmured, almost fondly.

  "You have an interesting world, mate," he murmured absently, watching it rustle above the small house.

  They pulled up to a weathered dock that didn't look much sturdier than the sagging porch. They had to be held up by the force of magic, Zeke thought, as they climbed out of the boat. "What should I do?" he asked Tia nervously.

  "You don't hafta do anyting. Just be yourself. You're my mate, so you won't be considered a trespasser," she assured him. He didn't miss the slight worry in her eyes.

  "We can split our time between Seattle and here. You don't have to leave all your duties. We will make this work," he reassured her with a quick kiss.

  "With us both being second in command ta powerful people in da realm, it’s not easy."

  "You're right. Not easy, but not impossible, either. Now, I suspect she's already aware we're here," he surmised.

  Tia nodded and led them to the door where she knocked. He didn't know why that struck him as odd. He guessed it had to do with pack life. He and a select few others lived with Hayden in Jesaray House, but none of the pack bothered to knock on their door.

  The door slowly opened, but there was no one there. Tia entered without hesitation. Zeke started when the door slammed shut behind them. By that point, he understood that Marie had a flare for the dramatic and wasn't surprised by the hundreds of black candles that flared to life. The entryway opened into a large, open space similar to Jesaray House. Zeke sensed a spell of some kind at work because he swore the small ramshackle house he'd seen outside wasn’t look this big. He'd never encountered a dimensional spell, but he'd read about them. He chuckled, bringing Tia's head around.

  "Are all Voodoo practitioners this organized? Or, are some of you hoarders?" he joked as he looked around a room that, if possible, was more cluttered than the shop on Bourbon Street.

  Countless shrunken heads and dolls surrounded them while a cloying sweet smell of incense permeated the air similar to the one in the shop. What he hadn't seen at the shop were the jars of chicken feet, eyeballs, and unknown skulls, as well as, embryos of various species. The sight made his skin crawl. What kind of magic would require embryos? His gut told him that he probably didn’t want the answer to that question.

  "My clutter is charming, dontcha know," she teased.

  "Everything about you is charming," he agreed, wrapping his arms around her. He lowered his head and claimed her lips in a scorching kiss. Electricity arched through them and pain radiated in his mate mark, reminding him he needed to bind their lives together. Ignoring that, he deepened the kiss, licking at her lips, seeking entrance.

  Every cell in his body was strung tight as she opened for him and his tongue slid and tangled with hers. She tasted like the finest chocolate and he wanted to eat her up. The moment he palmed her ass, meshing their lower bodies together, a feminine snort broke into the moment.

  Tia blushed, making her dark skin glow and hurriedly detangled from his embrace. Taking his hand, she approached the regal female sitting in a maroon chair by the fireplace that slammed shut as they approached. Her elaborate gold headdress was adorned with numerous rubies, sapphires, emeralds, and diamonds that sparkled in the firelight. She kept her hair under a wrap, but given her cafe-au-lait skin, Zeke guessed that it was black. Unlike Tia, who wore billowy skirts and tight shirts, this female wore an old-fashioned dress with a luxurious gold and red shawl. One thing that was unmistakable was the power she possessed.

  "Majesty," Tia said with a low bow. "I came to-"

  "Introduce me ta your mate and ask ta go ta Seattle," Marie interrupted. "Don't look so surprised, Tia. Da ancestors have been celebratin' and your Gram couldn’t wait ta share the good news. Welcome ta da family, Zeke."

  "Thank you," he murmured, walking over to shake her hand. He didn’t know if that was proper, but shifters were affectionate creatures and contact was a form of respect. She accepted his hand and smiled warmly. Surprisingly, her skin was warm to the touch and the sparkle to her eyes spoke of mysteries unsolved.

  "Now, tell me all about how you found each ot’er and what has happened in my city," Marie ordered, her dozens of bangles clanging with the movement. Giving the reduced version, leaving out the mind-blowing sex they’d shared, Tia informed Marie about meeting in the shop, Angel’s Kiss, the attack at the restaurant and the need for help to contain all the creatures she'd let loose. That had been a shock for Zeke to see. The fact that his mate had the power to control such venomous critters reminded him to never piss her off.

  "It seems like my alliance with da Vampire King has fortuitous timing, not ta mention it was inevitable. It's a good ting your mate is from Seattle, Tia, because dats exactly where I need you right now. We need to know ev'rytin about dis Angel's Kiss. We will do our part to eradicate it. Any supernatural using dat drug is dangerous to the realm, but a Voodoo nation on dat would be a disaster. Tink Wendigos running amok," Marie explained, shaking her head.

  "We need ta get word out ta our people, Marie. We can't let them be drawn inta dis. Zeke has told me how destructive dis drug is. I can call a meeting before I leave," Tia added, pacing around in front of the fire.

  Despite the dire situation, Zeke couldn't help but be thankful for what the situation brought to his life. Everyone yearned for their Fated Mate, for that one person who carried the other half of their soul. They hadn't yet completed the mating ce
remony, but Zeke had already experienced a completeness he never imagined.

  Tia had added a new energy to his life. He'd heard the old adage that a female would make you soft and weak, but loving Tia gave him a strength few could claim. And, he was a lucky bastard. The Goddess had given him a mate that was absolutely smokin' hot. The sway of her hips under that flowing cotton skirt had his thoughts going back to the night before and the way she was bent over in front of him as he pounded into her.

  Marie's voice cut into his errant thoughts and brought reality crashing back. Yet, for the first time in his life, nothing could touch the bliss of having his Fated Mate at his side. "Call da meeting for tomorrow afternoon. Dis can't wait a moment longer. I want our people warned."

  Zeke grabbed Tia's hand on her way past him and tugged her into his arms. She fit perfectly against him and the tension left her when he wrapped his arms around her waist. "Can I invite the pack? They need to be warned, as well,” he asked, turning towards Marie. “And, I want to announce my mate to the pack. They need to know she is theirs to protect now."

  The smile that crossed Tia’s face lit up the entire room. He cupped her cheek and pressed a light kiss to her lips. The pain in his mate mark was a constant reminder urging him to complete the mating, but it wasn't just that. It was so much more. He wanted to be bound to her for eternity.

  "I tink it's only right dat da shifters are dere for da meeting, after all, we are now united. Now, you two go enjoy each other, but before you go, I have a message for you ta deliver ta da Vampire King," Marie said, meeting Zeke's curious gaze. What could the Voodoo Queen have to tell Zander.

  Her smile was a mixture of mischievousness, amusement and concern. "Tell da King dat he needs ta prepare for his life ta yet again change. His love will be tested and his greatest joy will be at risk. Unless he puts his pride aside, he will lose both."

  Zeke raised his eyebrow, but didn't question the Voodoo Queen. Her prophecy was as legendary as her magic. Instead, he murmured, "It would be my pleasure. Apparently, I owe him for tormenting my mate."

  "We will see you tomorrow afternoon, Majesty. Call if you need me," Tia murmured before taking his hand and heading for the door.

  Marie's words stopped their progress to the door. "Oh, and Tia, you need ta tink about who you want ta replace you at da store. Dey won't be taking your place by my side, mind you, but dey need ta be able ta run da store and interact well with humans."

  Tia chuckled and squeezed his fingers. "I already have someone in mind for da job. I will speak ta her tomorrow."

  When they were outside, Tia had her crystals in her hand, but before they moved off the porch, he stopped her with a hand on her arm. "Mate with me at the next full moon?" he asked, not wanting to wait another minute. "I love you with every breath in my body and I want to be bound to you for eternity."

  Tears filled her dark green eyes as she looked up at him. Nodding, she went on tiptoe and kissed him passionately. "I thought you'd never ask," she teased. "I love you, Zeke, and I can't wait ta complete our mating."

  As they crossed the swamp and were driving back to Tia’s place, it hit him that no matter what happened from that day, she was going to be at his side and nothing in his life would ever be the same and he couldn't be happier.

  EXCERPT FROM HELLBOUND WARRIOR, DARK WARRIOR ALLIANCE BOOK 5:

  http://amzn.to/1Xf8NMn

  CHAPTER ONE

  “This is your last chance to back oot,” the Vampire King offered Rhys. Rhys wasn’t an idiot and backing out wasn’t an option. The Triskele Amulet had been stolen by that piece of shit, Kadir, and Lucifer was on the verge of being released from his frozen prison in the ninth circle of Hell. So, unless Rhys wanted his home to be turned into the devil’s playground, he was going.

  “This is more dangerous than anything you’ve ever done. Shite, I doona think anyone in the history of the Tehrex Realm has had a more treacherous mission,” Zander continued, locking eyes with Rhys. The concern was clear in Zander’s blue gaze, but it wasn’t because the leader of the Dark Warriors didn’t believe in Rhys. It was because he didn’t want to lose a member of their family.

  The Vampire King had recruited Rhys to join the Dark Warriors a little over a century ago, after Rhys had escaped his father’s clutches. Rhys had never wanted to go back to the Underworld where his father had tried to rear him like a proper cambion.

  Rhys’ father supported the idea of releasing the inner beast, giving it free rein. When Rhys had defied his father, he was put in the dungeons, forcing his demon to the surface. And, that wasn’t the worst part. Instead of throwing willing, or unwilling, females as his victims, his father had thrown males in the dungeon as his bedfellows.

  Many cambions enjoyed sex with both species, but Rhys wasn’t sexually attracted to men. It disgusted him to have sex with the males, but he had to do what was necessary. Otherwise, his rational mind would’ve been lost to him forever. He had forced himself on the males too many times to count and the memories still had bile rising in his throat.

  Eventually, he had escaped, leaving that world behind. But, he loathed his father and didn’t know what might happen if he saw him again. He could only hope to slip through his father’s realm and avoid that confrontation.

  Shoving those darkest memories back into his steel-lined box, Rhys wondered what Zander had seen in him all those years ago to give him a place in his most trusted circle. When they first met, Rhys was had been a wreck. He had never been at a lower point in his life. Zander was the only being that knew about Rhys’ suffering when he had been with dear-old-dad and still the male had believed in him. No way was he going to fail when so much was riding on his success.

  Rhys found a home and family within Zeum’s walls and would do anything to protect those he loved, even if it meant returning to the one place he swore to never go again. Rhys was a Dark Warrior now, not a low-life demon and his fellow warriors and their mates accepted Rhys for who and that meant more to him than anything.

  Rhys rubbed his chin and let his breath out in a long hiss before responding, “Fuck no, I’m not sure, but I’m the only one who can go.” He wished they could send a legion of warriors on the mission, it would certainly make Rhys feel better about their chances, but the fact was that only those with demon blood could pass through the veil.

  “I would never send Dante alone. After the Rowan sisters locate the cave, we need to find out if there is another warrior in the area that would be willing to go, as well. Preferably a female that can keep our demons fed,” Rhys finished. Rhys liked Dante, but he had no desire to have sex with the Lord of all cambions. The thought alone had the locks on his steel-lined box rattling in the back of his mind.

  He supposed he could go to some of the females he had spent time with when he lived there in order to feed his demon. Surely, there were still some that held some affection for him and would be willing to keep his presence secret from his father. He couldn’t go without sex for long so when they passed beyond his father’s territory, this would become a much bigger issue. Without sex to calm and placate his inner beast, their mission would become secondary to seeking sexual gratification. His stomach turned. He hated the lengths to which his inner beast would go in order to have his carnal needs met.

  Zander ran a hand through his shoulder-length black hair. “Shite, I hadna thought of your demon’s needs. That complicates matters. I still think we need to send every cambion warrior who’s ever been to Hell. Three seems like an insignificant number when faced with the multitudes you will encounter.” Zander was wearing a path in the rug with his pacing.

  The Vampire King continued, “You will be on Lucifer’s turf, and more than likely he already has the amulet. We should operate under the assumption that he has been freed from Lake Crocytus and is searching for a way to get to earth.” Zander’s Scottish accent became thicker when he was agitated and right now he was on the brink of violence. He had a Fated Mate, Elsie, who was pregnant, and, if worrying about them wa
sn’t enough, he also had an entire realm relying on him to keep them safe.

  Rhys smiled wryly at Zander. He dreaded the idea of doing this without having his closest friends at his back, especially, Gerrick. Fuck, the more he considered it, the more he realized that it was going to be odd not having him there now. He and Gerrick had been patrolling and fighting together for nearly a century. He knew what to expect from Gerrick and they fought seamlessly together. Gerrick was newly mated and Rhys could see how mating had softened the male, but he was still the most ruthless warrior ever born.

  He scanned the media room and looked at each of the Dark Warriors.

  Even if it were possible for them to get through the portal, Rhys wouldn’t want any of them to go. They were his only family and he would die to protect them.

  “We have no way of knowing where Lucifer currently is, but the last thing we need is to send a bunch of pissed off cambions into Hell. Not only will it do nothing to help us face and pass the trials of each circle, but it will also paint a target on our backs. Traveling in small numbers means that we can slip through virtually unnoticed,” Rhys added.

  Zander sighed and shook his head. Yeah, Rhys could relate, he was already exhausted and he hadn’t even started yet. He was so over the shit with the demons and skirm. They’d been fighting to protect the humans and realm for centuries, but lately it seemed as if things had compounded and they were on the losing side of this war.

  Ever since Elsie’s first husband had been murdered the demons had been taking more and more chances. They had been turning skirm without care, kidnapping human and supernatural females, and bringing lesser demons through the veil to earth in droves.

  Never before had the archdemons taken such chances. In the past, they hadn’t wanted to add the humans to their list of enemies. The supernatural population was miniscule compared to the human one. The demons couldn’t take the risk of the humans hunting and eradicating them. At least, not until Lucifer was able to obliterate the veil and lead his countless hoards through.