by Rosalie Redd
“Mmmmmine.”
With as much force as she could manage, she pushed against his chest, putting enough distance between them to look at him.
His aquamarine eyes focused on her from behind a low brow ridge. Tusks protruded from under his bottom lip, pointy sharp and glinting in the moonlight. Labored and rough, his breaths wheezed from his lungs.
“Yes, I’m yours, and you need to come back to me.” This strong, proud male, seemed to have endured so much, but he didn’t deserve to be hunted down and killed by his own kind. Thank goodness she’d tracked him through their blood connection. The portal had opened not far away, and between the blood bond they shared and his howls, he was easy to find.
He blinked, and weariness formed in the creases around his eyes. A grunt eased from him.
Wishing she could take away his pain, she stroked a finger down the side of his face. “Relax, Gaetan, relax.”
She didn’t know what to do to help him change back, and a tendril of doubt crept inside. On impulse, she bit her lip.
His attention riveted there. The muscles in his arms tensed.
“C’mon. Let’s step away from the ledge, okay?” She drew back, but he wouldn’t let her go. “It’s all right. I won’t leave you.”
He chuffed, and his eyes flicked back and forth as he studied her.
“You saved me. Now, it’s my turn to save you. We can tackle your problems together, but you must return to human form.” She tugged on him again.
Slowly, he followed her. She stopped a few feet away, underneath the large cedar where she’d left his cane resting against the trunk. The boughs whispered in the wind, as if encouraging her.
Instinctually, she understood he needed to trust her, believe in her, believe in them.
She turned to face him and took one of his large, calloused hands in hers. With purpose, she drew his hand to her chest, right over her heart. “I believe in you, Gaetan. You are a good, caring soul, and I…I need you.”
His grip tightened around her fingers, and he lowered himself to his knees. At eye level, he studied her with his stunning aquamarine eyes. A flicker of something, recognition perhaps, flashed across his beastly features.
Encouraged, Nikki brought his hand to her face, and she rubbed her cheek against his knuckles. “I believe in you, Gaetan. I. Believe. In. You.”
A low moan escaped his lips. He swayed, his body rocking from side to side.
She held on, rubbing her thumb over his knuckles, encouraging him with soft murmurs.
He remained that way for several long moments. The hair on his arms started to recede, slow at first then faster. Before she could stop him, he crumpled to the ground at her feet. Clothing reformed on his human-like body.
His right hand lay exposed across his chest. A single black mark darkened the back of his hand across his second metacarpal. She remembered this one represented benevolence.
Her heart swelled. They had a chance.
She knelt beside him and shook his shoulder. “Gaetan. Gaetan.”
His eyes fluttered.
“Wake up, medicine man.” An uncontrollable giggle, born of relief, reverberated in her chest.
His eyelids popped open, and he focused on her. “Nicole…”
The deep timbre of his voice slid over her nerves, warming her, making her feel wanted, needed. She could get used to that sound all too easily, but sooner or later, if he didn’t get over his addiction, she’d have to leave him. Besides, he had other priorities, like his sister, his job, Anlon.
Anlon…
She’d forgotten about the babe. As far as she knew, he was still lost out here. Her face heated at her selfishness.
“Nicole, you helped me return from my beast. We’re at Blue Pool, the sacred site. I couldn’t have found this place if I’d tried.” He placed his palm against the cedar’s trunk and stood. His gaze drew to the back of his hand. Creases formed around his eyes. “Why did you come after me? I could’ve killed you.”
…because I care. Her mouth went dry, and the words wouldn’t come.
He took a step toward her, his limp pronounced once again. With rapt attention, he tucked a few strands of hair behind her ear. “You shouldn’t have taken the chance on me. I’m not worth it.”
Tears welled in her eyes. “How can you say that? You’re kind, gentle, and so many care for you.”
A sarcastic snigger eased from him. “It’s my fault Anlon is missing, my fault the king and queen are dead.”
She inhaled. How could he think himself responsible? “That’s terrible.”
He flinched, as if she’d slapped him. Remorse reflected in his eyes. “Even you blame me.”
“No! That’s not what I meant—”
“Enough!” He slammed his fingers against his thigh. His eyes widened, and he shoved his hand into his pocket. As he withdrew his fist, a blue glow emanated from the stone in his hand.
“This, this thing. As much as I blame myself, I blame the sacred blue sunstone for starting it all.” He drew back his arm and before she could stop him, he launched the stone over the cliff’s edge. “Go back from where you came.”
“No!” Nikki screamed, and it was Ginnia’s words that echoed in her ears.
“Don’t let Gaetan lose the blue sunstone…”
CHAPTER 20
K aelyn set her palm against the cool stone and peered over the boulder. Through the trees, moonlight reflected off the small lake, glimmering on the water’s still surface. Not far beyond the meadow, Mauree’s lake house and the small cottages contained numerous soldiers ready for battle. Along with the Gossum she so despised, Kaelyn recognized many of her kin. A bead of frustration ran down the side of her face, and she tightened her grip on her mace.
“They’ve built up their ranks.” Saar’s rough whisper tickled her ear.
“They’re expecting us.” She peered at him. “Are you surprised?”
The soft moonlight cast shadows onto his features, accentuating the scar across his face. “Not at all. Actually, I look forward to the challenge.”
Kaelyn ran her hand down his arm, enjoying his taut muscles beneath her fingertips. “Remember, our goal is to find Anlon. This isn’t a suicide mission.”
A low growl eased from his lips. “I want revenge for Noeh’s death.”
“As do I, but with some of our troops searching for Gaetan, we’re not full strength. Our number of warriors was small to begin with.”
A flicker of worry crossed his eyes. “This war can’t go on much longer.”
“I agree, but if we don’t find Anlon, I fear the warriors will give up hope. We must find him. In some ways, I pray he’s not here, in the midst of our enemy, in other ways, I pray he is, so we can bring him home.” Kaelyn let loose a long breath. “We’ve stalled long enough. Let’s go.”
Saar tugged her against him and gave her a quick, passionate kiss. “Whistle if you need me.”
She brought her bear’s head whistle to her lips and blew a single soft note.
A moment later he was gone. Noiseless and swift, his shadowed form sped between the trees, other warriors following close behind. According to plan, each would approach from a different angle, searching for any signs of the little prince.
Alone, she slipped between the trees, her boots squishing in the mud along the path. Closer and closer, she skirted the edge of the lawn, staying under the forest’s dark cover.
The distinct astringent smell of Gossum assailed her nose. She clamped down on a growl. From her vantage point, Kaelyn had a good view of the second-story deck, Mauree’s favorite resting spot. Only the deck’s railing graced the scene, resembling a row of bad teeth.
Not far away, along the back edge of the garden shed, a Gossum gripped a loose piece of skin from his arm. He tugged at it. A soft rip, like a Band-Aid from flesh, filled the space between them. He held up his grisly prize, studying the thin film captured between his fingers.
Prickles travelled down Kaelyn’s back, and an uncontrolled shive
r racked her body. She unhooked her mace from her belt.
The Gossum stilled. His attention whipped toward her.
Damn…discovered.
She stepped from her hiding spot, twirled her mace, and sprinted toward her enemy. Adrenaline, fueled by hatred, pumped through her veins.
The Gossum met her half-way. His tongue snaked from his mouth, the barbed end snapping near her ear. Warm spittle landed on her cheek.
She swung her mace. The spiked tips embedded into the creature’s shoulder. A loud scream tore from him, and he clawed at her arm. Pain flared from the wound.
He staggered, but regained his composure. Crouching, the muscles in his shoulders and legs bunched beneath his dark clothes.
She switched her mace to her other hand and raised it into the air. With a quick thrust, she twirled her weapon. The rhythmic rush of air resounded in the night.
As her enemy leapt toward her, she crashed the spiked ball, nailing him in the head. He fell to the ground, panting.
Heart pounding, she tugged her weapon free. His dark blood oozed onto the lawn.
Stepping on his neck, she dug the toe of her boot into his flesh. The urge to shove the tip until it embedded in his brain raced through her, but she needed him alive, at least for the moment. “Where is the babe?”
His breathing became irregular.
She had to hurry. “Where. Is. The. Babe?”
“W…what babe?” he rasped.
She increased the pressure, and a gargled sound emerged from his lips. “Anlon, the Stiyaha prince.”
His brow furrowed. “Don’t know.”
“Are you telling me he’s not here?” She leaned forward, studying his expression.
“No child, no child—” Before he could say another word, he disintegrated into a pile of black goo.
A mixture of relief and frustration rippled along her nerves. If Mauree didn’t have him, where was he?
Screeeee!
The cry of a warrior’s sword pierced the air.
Kaelyn’s heart leapt into her throat. The battle was on. She raced around the shed.
On the large lawn, warriors fought against Gossum and the Ursus. Rage, frustration, and fear erupted from her like a cork from a bottle. She let loose a war cry and headed toward the melee.
Movement out of the corner of her eye shifted her focus from the battle. Mauree, wearing her signature short skirt and a sheer blouse, approached the home’s second story deck. Her blonde hair cascaded around her shoulders, but couldn’t hide the dark patch over her eye.
A twinge of retribution flared in Kaelyn’s chest. She’d caused that damage, and she’d do a whole lot more given the chance.
A shout.
A groan of pain.
A tormented scream.
Kaelyn drew her attention back to the battle. Her warriors fought, wrestling with their enemies, but there were too many. If her kind stayed, they’d die.
Hatred burned in Kaelyn’s soul. She gripped her whistle and brought it to her lips. After taking a large breath, she blew through the hole. A loud piercing tone rang through the air.
“Retreat!” The word tasted bitter on Kaelyn’s tongue.
Mauree’s high-pitched titter echoed from the balcony. “Oh, please stay. We were having so much fun.”
“Have no fear, Mauree. You and I will see each other again, soon.” Kaelyn spat on the ground and bolted for the trees, hot on the heels of her warriors. This wasn’t the end, not if she had anything to say about it.
CHAPTER 21
“ No!” Nikki screamed. Gaetan had thrown the blue sunstone over the cliff. She bolted for the edge, her feet skittering over twigs and loose pine needles. Descending toward a beautiful blue pool at the base of a magnificent waterfall, the gem caught the moon’s light.
“Don’t let Gaetan lose the blue sunstone…” Nikki didn’t understand the reason, but Ginnia had been adamant.
Fear for Gaetan bubbled up inside her, and a jolt of energy surged from her fingers. She concentrated on the stone. As if by magic, the pool’s water swirled around and around into a funnel. The blue sunstone skittered across the surface, travelling down the cylinder. At the end of the tunnel, a small cave emerged.
Gaetan inhaled, the sound snaking between his teeth. “What did you do?”
“I…I don’t know, but my power has something to do with water.” She focused her attention, concentrating on maintaining the opening.
“I’d say that’s an understatement.”
She didn’t dare look at him for fear she’d lose control. “We have to get that stone back.”
“What are you talking about? That stone is nothing but trouble. I threw it into Blue Pool to get rid of it.” His words came out rough, but she sensed his commitment, his desire to do the right thing. That warmed her heart.
“Ginnia said not to let you lose it.” She held out her arms, the muscles trembling under the strain.
He placed his hand on her shoulder. “What else did she say?”
The warmth of his skin seeped into her, sparking her energy level. “Nothing. That’s when I jumped through the portal to search for you.”
“I’m glad you did. Craya. We need to retrieve that stone and find out what Ginnia meant.”
Sweat beaded on her brow. “I…I can’t hold this much longer.” As she said the words, the strength in her arms gave out. The water in the pool rushed over the tube, burying the stone in its watery grave.
Gaetan’s fingers tightened on her shoulder. “I’m sorry, Nicole. This is my fault—”
She whirled on him, knocking his hand away. “Stop it, Gaetan. This is not your fault, none of it is. This is a war. Bad things happen. You aren’t to blame.”
His mouth drew into a thin line, and a tic started in his jaw. He shoved his hand into his pocket and withdrew his satchel. Fingers shaking, he opened the twine and shook a single pill into his palm. Staring Nicole in the eyes, he popped the pill into his mouth, swallowing it dry. “You have no idea of the things I’ve done…”
“The male I know is a sensitive, caring soul. Others in the Keep respect you, love you…” As do I.
She couldn’t say the words, wouldn’t allow herself to open up to him. As much as she wanted to, she had to protect her heart. She’d do everything she could to help him, but in the end, his addiction would win. Quentin had said the single band around his throat was the sign of a bad match. They were doomed no matter what. She’d have to leave him.
He studied her, his eyes flicking back and forth. The desire to believe her radiated from him, but she wasn’t sure he would. He cleared his throat and broke eye contact. “Maybe Ginnia believes the blue sunstone will help me find Anlon. I must retrieve that stone. If you’re willing, I could use your help.”
She sighed. The young prince should be their priority. They could focus on their relationship later.
Determination built in her chest. She’d help him no matter what. If, at the end of the day, he didn’t love her, then she’d just deal with it. “What can I do?”
“Can you part the water again?” A smile tugged at his mouth, lighting up his gorgeous eyes.
She couldn’t resist his charm and nodded. “I can try.”
“Let’s go to the shore. You can try from there.” He gripped her hand, and his calming warmth spread up her arm. With a soft tug, he led her to the pine, where his cane leaned against the bark. He wrapped his fingers around the sunstone handle then peered at her. His eyes sparkled, more beautiful than anything she’d ever seen. “Thank you for helping me.”
She blushed, heat racing to her cheeks.
Gaetan glanced skyward. Through the trees, the first hint of dawn turned the dark sky into a deep purple. “There’s not much time. We need to retrieve the sunstone and return to the Keep before sunrise.”
She nodded in agreement then followed him along the trail to the shoreline. Even with a path, Gaetan’s progress was slow. His cane caught on bits of grass and small rocks that littered the trail.
The muscles in his back bunched with each step, pulling his shirt tight across his shoulders. He was strong, proud, and defiant, and her heart ached for him.
At last, they arrived at the shore. Water lapped against small, round rocks. Gaetan pointed to the deep pool, and his lips moved, but the waterfalls deafening roar was too loud and drowned out his words.
He stepped closer and brought his lips to her ear. His breath tickled the skin at her nape. A pleasant shiver raced down her spine. “Use your power.”
She gnawed at her lip. Could she? Closing her eyes, she concentrated on the water and tried to force the energy from her hands.
She peeked through her lashes. Nothing happened.
He gripped her arm, his calloused fingers tickling her skin. “What’s wrong?”
“I…I’m not sure, but both times it happened before, I had an intense emotional reaction, and—”
Gaetan’s cane slipped from his grasp. He wrapped one hand around her waist and cradled her head with the other. “Perhaps this will help.”
She parted her lips and inhaled. “Gaetan, what…”
He silenced her with a rough, demanding kiss. A low moan eased from him, reverberating deep in his chest. Her pulse spiked as a rush of desire slid all the way to her core. She thrust her hands into his hair and scraped her nails against his scalp, claiming him. He tightened his grip around her waist, crushing her breasts and her hardening nipples against his chest.
“Nicole…” She loved how he said her name, drawing it out.
His arousal grew, but she forced herself to focus. “I…I think I can try now.”
“Good, very good.” He released his hold on her, but he kept his hands on her hips.
She turned and leaned into him, her back pressing against his chest. Using the desire he’d ignited in her, she concentrated on the water.
Bubbles formed on the surface. The water funnel reappeared. Rocks became visible on the ground, and the path led into the small cave. Water encircled the opening, swirling and churning, but not a single drop fell.
Nikki’s chest swelled, a feeling of accomplishment lightening her heart.
