Unforgivable Lover

by Rosalie Redd

  “Except Nikki is missing, along with Gaetan.” Kaelyn peered at Noeh and raised her chin. “Gaetan lost control of his beast and escaped through the tunnels. He had the blue sunstone with him. Nikki, his new mate, went after him. We suspect they are dead.”

  Melissa placed her hand on Noeh’s arm. “Wow, a lot has happened since we were gone.”

  Noeh’s mouth thinned. “Gaetan is alive. I saw his green dot on the character board. He was at Blue Pool. There was another green light with him, one I didn’t recognize. Perhaps that was this Nikki you mentioned.”

  “Then we have a chance.” Saar glanced at Kaelyn, one brow arched.

  She swallowed. Noeh was the official king. Now that he’d returned, he would resume his duties. She bit down on the ache that built at the back of her throat. “Noeh, while you were away, I stepped into your role as leader since I am the only one with royal blood. Now that you have returned…”

  Noeh regarded her for a long moment. “Craya.” He ran his hand through his hair. “Not sure if you’re aware, but I’m deaf and am no longer the warrior I once was. In the interest of what’s best for the residents of the Keep, I will step aside. You should continue to rule.”

  Respect for this strong, proud male made Kaelyn’s throat tighten. “I could use an advisor, someone with your experience and expertise.”

  Noeh’s eyes sparked with bits of amber. “If I’ve read your lips correctly, you want me to be your advisor. I’d be happy to help in any way I can and have a suggestion.”

  Kaelyn smiled. “Perfect. What’s your advice?”

  Noeh placed his hand on Kaelyn’s. “We need to get the special Dren to Roan’s Rock—”

  “Along with the blue sunstone,” Saar interjected.

  Noeh nodded. “To ignite the portal and beat Mauree and her troops. You, with Saar at your side, should lead the warriors on the battlefield. If I know Gaetan, he’ll do everything in his power to find Anlon, even hunting down Mauree. He’ll have to go by Roan’s Rock. I’ll work with Tanen, Sheri, and Melissa to see if we can locate Gaetan and Nikki and meet you there.”

  The need to obtain their goal, to wipe out Mauree and her minions, flared within Kaelyn. Yet, some of them were her people, the Ursus. A sour taste filled her mouth, but she wouldn’t let that stall her plans, her need to end this war, once and for all. Kaelyn raised her hands. “Okay, everyone. Let’s proceed with the plan. Sunset is about an hour away. Demir, Aramie, gather the warriors at the portal. Tanen, Sheri, see if you can find anything else of value in that book then join us.”

  Noeh gave Kaelyn a quick nod. “As soon as it’s dark, Melissa and I will track Gaetan and Nikki. We’ll meet you at Roan’s Rock.”

  Melissa gripped Noeh’s hand. “Anlon…”

  All turned their attention to the babe. He stared in rapt attention as Ginnia read from the book. “…and Roan picked up the…”

  Noeh walked over to the pair and knelt beside them. “Ginnia…”

  “Are you mad at me?” She peered at Noeh, her eyes flitting back and forth.

  Kaelyn wanted to run to Gaetan’s sister and give her a comforting hug, but she held back. This was Noeh’s job, not hers.

  Noeh exhaled. “Why would I be mad?”

  Anlon wriggled from her arms and crawled toward his mother. Ginnia glanced at the floor. “Because I escaped from my cell. I had to. Nikki needed me to help her get out of the Keep.”

  Noeh exhaled and placed a strand of hair behind Ginnia’s ear. “You never should’ve been in that cell in the first place. I should’ve trusted your visions. Can you forgive me?”

  Ginnia’s eyes widened then a smile bloomed on her face. “I love you, Noeh. Love you, love you, love you.” She wrapped her arms around Noeh’s neck.

  “I love you, too, Ginnia.” He laughed then pulled back to look at her. “Melissa and I need to leave the Keep for a while. Would you like to watch Anlon, perhaps with Bet and Jax?”

  Ginnia’s smile grew. “You mean I can play with him some more?”

  “Yes, honey, you can.” Noeh stroked her hair then rose to his feet. He met Kaelyn’s gaze. “We’ll meet you at Roan’s Rock. May the gods be with you.”

  “We’ll have the warriors ready to go, along with Tanen and Sheri.” Kaelyn gave him a quick nod, conviction pulsing in her veins. This war would end tonight, one way or another, she was sure of it.

  CHAPTER 31

  G aetan trudged along the stream bank. The tip of his cane slid into the soft soil, mirroring the imaginary dagger plunging into his heart. With each footstep and tap of his cane, the pain worsened. Moonlight filtered between the forest’s thick blanket of trees, casting shadows and reminding him of the Gossum’s attack on Nicole.

  He could never forgive himself for transforming her into a Dren. If he hadn’t drawn the Gossum’s attention to her, she would’ve resumed her life as a human. She hadn’t asked to become part of his world, and he’d done it, knowing he’d brought her into a terrible war with an uncertain outcome. He took a deep, pained breath and continued on the path.

  His goal remained the same—find Anlon. A burning sensation started in his chest, radiating down his arms until his fingers tingled. The unbreakable vow he’d given Noeh to watch after Anlon urged him onward, one foot in front of the other.

  In this, he would not fail, even if it ended in his death. He would save the prince or bring down Mauree. A chill crawled down his back. What if she doesn’t have him? What if he’s lost in this strange world? He didn’t know which was worse.

  The urge to take a pill sent a shiver over his shoulders.

  “I have faith in you, Gaetan.” An image of Nicole flashed through his mind. Her moist eyes, full of encouragement and love, hadn’t wavered. They’d made love in the cave, completing the bonding, binding them together.

  He tugged the satchel from his pocket and gripped it in his palm. His hand shook. I’m not worthy…

  With trembling fingers, he opened the pouch. White pills reflected the moon’s glow, enticing him, calling to him on a level he couldn’t refuse. His mouth watered.

  “Take them from me, please.” His words echoed in his mind, replaying the scene in the cave.

  His gaze drifted to the stream. Water rushed over rocks and swirled in small pools.

  “No, Gaetan. This is something you have to do on your own. Toss them into the water if you must, but I can’t do it for you.” Nicole had believed in him.

  Too bad he didn’t believe in himself.

  He clenched his fist around his satchel, the tendons in his hands straining. His marking, the one for responsibility, burned on the back of his hand, darkening. He pulled on the strength deep in his soul and shoved the satchel into his pocket.

  “No, I won’t give in. I won’t.” As much as he’d wanted to toss the pills into the stream and rid himself of his addiction, he wasn’t able to let go, but at least he’d resisted the urge to pop one into his mouth. He’d take the small victory.

  A relieved breath eased from his lips. He wasn’t healed, not by a long shot, but he’d taken the first step, and that was the hardest one. “I’ll beat this addiction yet, Nicole, I promise.”

  That is, if he survived.

  A crick in Nikki’s neck brought her awake with a start. She inhaled, and the scent of aged paper and ink filtered into her nose. Face smashed into the old tome, she groaned and raised her head. Heat from her stretched tendon burned along her neck. With gentle pressure, she rubbed at the spot, easing some of the ache.

  “I must’ve fallen asleep.” She blinked and glanced around the small cave. The sunstones lining the walls glowed, filling the room with an eerie light. Situated in the corner, the bed’s rumbled sheet reminded her of Gaetan and their time together.

  An ache built in her chest, tightening around her heart. She missed him—the tug of his smile, the golden swirls in his aquamarine eyes, his gentle nature. No male had ever treated her so kindly. Yet, like her father, he couldn’t give up his addiction, and she’d
forced him to leave, kicking him out without a second thought.

  Gaetan’s not like Father. He’s caring, gentle.

  She shoved away from the table and stood. The chair crashed against the stone floor, the sound booming through the room. After Gaetan had left, she’d needed a few moments to calm down, and she’d sat in the chair crying herself into exhaustion. She must have fallen asleep.

  The bracelet on her wrist caught the light, reflecting little pinpricks of luminescence onto the ceiling, like stars. “Where are you, Gaetan?”

  “I’m the reason the Gossum attacked you. The pain in my leg flared, and I knocked my cane against my knee. That’s why the Gossum turned to investigate, but instead of attacking me, the damned thing assaulted you. If it hadn’t been for me, you’d be home, living your life. What I’ve done to you is unforgivable.” His words beat against her temple.

  “I’m glad you did.” She rubbed the marks on her hand that mirrored Gaetan’s. While at the Keep she’d met so many wonderful people, others who seemed to care about her, wanted to be with her, and trusted her. Those people had something to live for and appeared to love each other with a passion she’d only ever dreamed of, that is, until she’d met Gaetan and discovered that kind of love for herself.

  He’d shown her with his caring touch and his gentle words what she’d meant to him. From what she’d seen and gathered from others in the Keep, he took care of everyone else, but never himself.

  She strode to the bed and drew her fingers over the cool sheet until she gripped the pillow. After tugging the soft down close, she buried her nose in the silky material. The spicy scent of tarragon filtered into her senses. Regret tightened her stomach into a ball, clawing at her insides. “I shouldn’t have forced him to leave.”

  She’d sent Gaetan away out of fear. Bitterness coated the back of her throat.

  Although he had his own demons to conquer, he had a goal to find Anlon, and she’d be there by his side when he did. After that, they could tackle his addiction together. Tightening her fist, she tossed the pillow onto the bed and strode to the small pool of water at the cave’s entrance. Using her love for Gaetan and her new resolve, she concentrated on her raw emotions and swirled her hands over the water.

  Faster than ever before, the water bubbled and churned, opening the tunnel in a blink of an eye. Using the blood bond between them, she homed in on his location then bolted through the hole and into the night. “I’m on my way, Gaetan.” She’d never forgive herself if something happened to him.

  CHAPTER 32

  A tear slid down Alora’s cheek. Stuck in her dark place during the day, she had nothing to keep her company. Nothing, that is, except her tortured thoughts. I couldn’t leave Veromé. I just couldn’t.

  She wiped the back of her hand over her cheek. “Damn you, Zedron.”

  Despite her desire to protect Anlon and Carine, she couldn’t bring herself to go to him. She loved Veromé far too much to hurt him that way. Instead, she’d stewed about it all night until time ran out and she travelled to her dark place.

  Now, she’d suffer the consequences. Zedron would schedule an appointment with the council and turn her in for cheating. A flash of irritation made her fingers twitch. How she hated Zedron for dragging her into this war.

  The tendons in her jaw tightened. I’m not giving up. There’s still time.

  What she would do, she didn’t know, yet, but she had to believe that somehow, some way, she’d find a way to defeat him. Zedron couldn’t win.

  The familiar tug started inside. Time to return home.

  Her particles broke apart, travelling over time and space. She headed for her house nestled in the branches of a Rolmdew tree. As she materialized into her living room, smoke and the smell of burnt wood filled her senses.

  Warning bells rang in her brain. Her heartbeat raced.

  Her foot broke through a charred floorboard. She stumbled and her knee crashed against what remained of her couch. Her hand landed on the burnt coffee table. The charred wood gave way, crumbling beneath her palm.

  Fear’s cold fingers slithered along her nerves. She glanced around her home. A fire had destroyed everything in sight. Large pieces of the walls were gone. Through the openings, the surrounding tree’s green canopy had turned into black, charred limbs. The remaining branches looked like sharp claws.

  Alora’s pulse spiked, blood rushing through her veins. “No…no…no! Veromé!” A sob escaped her lips.

  “I’m right here, my love, waiting for you.” Veromé wrapped his strong arms around her waist, pulling her to her feet.

  She turned and threw her arms around his neck and kissed his lips, his cheek, his chin. Soft hitches eased from her chest, but she couldn’t stop them.

  He drew back enough to look at her. “Sh…it’s all right. Carine and I are safe.”

  The tension in Alora’s shoulders eased for the moment. “What happened?”

  “A fire swept through the area. The wind,” he ran his hand through his hair, “carried the flames through the treetops before we could stop it.”

  She swallowed. “Did everyone get out okay?”

  A tic started in his jaw. He shook his head. “Two families died in the blaze. I tried…”

  Alora cupped his cheek in her palm. “It’s not your fault.”

  He gripped her fingers, drawing her hand away from his face. “I know, but I wish I could’ve saved them all.”

  “That’s who you are and one of the reasons I love you so much.”

  “Go to my father’s home. Radnor has taken us in, at least until we can find another place to live.” He planted a kiss on her knuckles and glanced through the charred trees. The last rays from the setting sun turned a vibrant shade of red, reflecting in Veromé’s beautiful blue eyes.

  Alora’s chest tightened. She didn’t want to let him go, but she had to tell him what happened with Zedron. “Veromé, there’s something you need to know about Zedron.”

  His features hardened, his mouth pursing in disgust. “Why do I have the feeling I’m not going to like this?”

  Usually, his ire would ignite hers, but not tonight. She glanced at the blackened remnants of her coffee table before returning her attention to his eyes. “You were right. I should’ve listened to you and gone to the council with Zedron’s disk.”

  A low growl eased from his throat. “What did he do?”

  Unable to maintain eye contact any longer, she drew away from him. She turned and stepped over a broken floor board. Careful not to step on a weak spot, she glanced over her shoulder at him. “He gave me a choice. Give him one of three things and he wouldn’t go to the council and turn me in for coercion.”

  Veromé’s eyes narrowed. “What things?”

  She faced him, her body trembling. “Either Anlon, Carine, or myself.”

  His eyes widened. “What did you do?”

  “I couldn’t give him the babe or Carine, so—”

  “Did you go to him?” Veromé’s voice boomed in the small space, echoing out into the trees.

  Tears blurred her vision, and she shook her head. “No. I couldn’t go through with it. I couldn’t do that to you, to us.”

  He closed the distance and wrapped her in his embrace. She inhaled, and his cool, fresh scent filled her lungs and chased away the acrid smell of smoke.

  “I love you, Veromé. I always will.” She choked on the heartfelt words. “I’m so weary of being separated.”

  He stroked his thumb over her bottom lip, his gaze intent and hungry. “I love you, too. When this war is over, no matter the outcome, I look forward to reuniting with you. Nothing is more important to me.”

  Alora’s breath hitched, bottling up her words.

  Veromé brushed his lips over hers then claimed her with a bruising kiss. She melted from his onslaught, and she dug her fingernails into his shoulders.

  The last rays of the sun faded over the horizon. As Veromé drifted away, she squeezed him tighter, but his molecules slipped through h
er fingers like untouchable stars.

  CHAPTER 33

  G aetan placed his hand against the cedar’s rough bark. He leaned in and peered around the massive tree’s trunk. The bark’s familiar scent eased into his lungs, but couldn’t chase away his need or his desire for his medication. His leg didn’t hurt, not anymore, but the constant craving burned like fire in his veins.

  He jabbed his hand into his pocket and gripped his satchel. The contents of the well-warn fabric enticed him. A bead of sweat dribbled over his brow, and he clenched his teeth.

  With more force than he’d intended, he thrust the end of his cane into the moist loam at his feet and withdrew his hand. He curled his fingers into a fist.

  “I won’t give in. I won’t give in.” The mantra helped him focus, and he pushed away from the tree intent on his destination. Mauree’s lake house couldn’t be much farther. “I have to find Anlon.”

  He trudged onward. Cane, foot, foot, cane, foot, foot.

  The scent of melons wafted by on the breeze.

  Gaetan stilled. Nicole…

  Light footfalls padded toward him. “Gaetan. I’m so glad I found you. I…”

  He turned to face her.

  Long and sleek, her blonde tresses caught in the wind, whipping over her shoulders. The moon’s glow accentuated her porcelain skin, and her eyes, oh, those beautiful green eyes, etched with love, bore into him.

  Like the first time he’d seen her, his breath caught in his throat. “Nicole…” Her name came out on a growl, and his inner beast bucked inside, wanting to run to her, cradle her in his arms, kiss her until she begged for more, but he held still. She’d kicked him out, wanting nothing to do with him.