Driven by Night

by Aliyah Burke

  She sat forward and slipped her hand in the bag then curved it around the hilt of her Taser. Casting her gaze around, she searched for any other familiar faces. There were none. She placed her bag on her lap, keeping a hold of the weapon. Just in case.

  “You’re here,” he said, readjusting his stance.

  “I’m a lot of places,” Roz said casually. “The question is to you. What do you want?”

  “You know her?” He pointed at Calida.

  “She’s a friend of mine.”

  Calida could see her tattoo ripple beneath Roz’s skin. The image of the horses tossed their heads as they thundered over the ground. Smoke rolled from their noses and hovered around Roz’s wrists. If Gravett noticed, he didn’t say.

  He gazed past Roz and focused on her. His steely eyes were unsettling. She withdrew her Taser and tapped it against her cheek. There would be no showing fear to this man.

  “I’m here to have fun,” he said.

  “Go have fun elsewhere. You don’t want an ass-whupping, you stay away from us.”

  He held up his hands and backed away. Calida didn’t take her eyes off him—she stared until he could no longer be seen. Roz turned and faced her slowly.

  “Are you okay?”

  “Fine.”

  Roz set two drinks down before she straddled the bench and said, “Perhaps you’d care to tell me when the fuck you met Cheza.”

  The look on the woman’s face informed her not to dispute the comment. Or command. Calida reached for one of the bottles Roz had placed on the table and uncapped it. After a hearty swallow, she imparted to her all that had transpired. Roz kept quiet as she spoke but at the end asked, “Have you told, Tiarnán?”

  “No more than a general overview of what happened between us.”

  She opened her drink and played with the cap. “Why not?”

  “Not sure. I don’t think I’m right.”

  “Not right?”

  Calida gestured around her with one hand. “This. All of it. I’m not the one.”

  “This is more than about your artifact.”

  She scoffed. “Mine? It’s not mine. Had Mrs. Chen—God rest her soul—not shoved it in my hand, we wouldn’t even be having this discussion. Tiarnán would have it and I wouldn’t be even a person he met on the street.”

  Roz drummed her fingers on the tabletop. “Do you really believe that?”

  “Of course. I don’t know why I ducked into Mrs. Chen’s shop. I could just have easily gone into the theater.”

  “Of course you could have.”

  Calida got the distinct impression Roz wasn’t as much of a believer as her statement alluded to.

  “And then Tiarnán and I never would have crossed paths.”

  Roz stared at her for a while and Calida began to shift on the seat. “You think your life would be so much better without him? And that you don’t fit? You two were destined…are destined to be together. Gravett and his thugs were after you for one reason. Because you’d begun to display the sign that allows your mate to find you. Trouble is, They can sense it and pass along the information. Gravett would have continued until you were in his clutches. And used you to possibly barter, or just flat out have killed you.”

  A pawn, that’s all I am. She drank some more. “Who’s Cheza?”

  “One of the ones who started all this.” Roz shook her head. “Didn’t Tiarnán explain this to you?”

  “Nope.”

  She narrowed her gaze. “Hmm. Anyway, there were many at the beginning that fought. Making the mountains and the valleys as they tried to kill one another.”

  “This is the They you mentioned?”

  “Yes. We don’t know what to call them. Ancient beings. Well, a few of them have since decided they don’t like being controlled. So began the attempts to kill the one who controls…keeps them in line. Keeps them confined to the cosmos. Supposed to. But a big battle is coming. They happen from time to time. And we as the Guardians have to do whatever it is we’re expected to do.”

  “Still don’t know what it has to do with me.”

  “The artifact you brought to us. That’s one more piece we need to call forth the hope of the world.”

  “I know the prophecy, Tiarnán told me that much…at least.” Even she heard her bitterness there. “So Cheza is one who wants the destruction. And isn’t above sending dumbasses from The New Order to try and acquire said items?”

  “Right.”

  “If they are supposed to be confined to the cosmos, what’s she doing down here?”

  “We don’t know, but Lian is getting weaker and can’t continue to fight. We have to find that final piece and see what we can do.”

  The worry in Roz’s voice was so thick, Calida figured she could reach out and touch it. “So you’re Guardians of the artifacts? And the cosmos?”

  She shrugged. “I’m not sure. We were given the title.” Her expression sobered. “Do you understand now?”

  “I get a bit more. Cheza is bad, y’all are good and me…” She gave a slight shake of her head. I’m still nothing more than a pawn as well as a means to an end.

  “You’re important to him, Calida.”

  “If you say so.”

  “I do.”

  She took another drink. “I need to pick up a few things, still, if you don’t mind.”

  “Sure, let’s go. We can grab some food as well.”

  “Absolutely.” Was she hungry? Not in the least. She walked off and Roz joined her.

  They shopped some more and while she had a good time, laughing often, the lingering doubt wouldn’t go away. In fact, it grew. They ate at an outdoor café and during dessert, a tingling skated over her spine. She glanced around and frowned when she believed she saw Tiarnán.

  “Everything okay?”

  “Thought I saw Tiarnán.”

  Roz smiled. “Probably did.” A one shoulder shrug. “He was pissed I wouldn’t tell him where we were. I’m sure he came looking for you.”

  “Hmm.” If it was him, she truly didn’t want to know. She lifted her glass and toasted Roz. “Thank you for today.”

  “We all need time away. I’m here for you, Calida, if you need to talk. I hope you know that.”

  “Thanks.”

  The problem was, Calida didn’t feel right about discussing her insecurities about a woman she’d never met but who this woman—Roz—considered a sister. And was a fellow Guardian.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Tiarnán leaned against the advertisement pillar in town and watched Calida and Roz. For a moment, he thought she’d spotted him but Roz never appeared in his mind. Calida never said a word. Finding her safe eased his mind in ways he hadn’t known could happen. On the drive he’d pictured her in danger, hurt, or something along those lines. He tracked them as they meandered back to Roz’s vehicle. After they left, he made his way to his truck and returned to the vineyard as well.

  He parked and immediately jogged inside. Outside her room, he knocked briefly before entering. She wasn’t there. Her purchases, however, sat on the bed. But no Calida.

  What the frack does it take to find this woman and speak to her?

  He located her in the sitting room with some of the children. She was listening to them, attention rapt and not faked.

  “Tiarnán, we need to go.”

  Billy’s voice was unwelcome.

  “Why? What happened?”

  Calida rose and walked to the side where she got herself a drink.

  “Gravett and some of his lackeys were spotted.”

  “On my way.”

  “Calida.” He held up a finger to the teen speaking, who paused.

  “Yes?” She continued to fix her tea without looking at him.

  “Can we talk?”

  “Sure. Later, though, I’m talking to them now.”

  He readjusted so he could see her face. “That’s fine. I have to go. There’s—”

  “Fine.” She sipped her tea than added more sugar.

&n
bsp; “Billy called—”

  “Whatever, Tiarnán. Stay safe.” She walked away and sat with the kids.

  Yeah, he could see there was a problem. Something to deal with later. He left and met the others so they could depart.

  “Seriously?” He climbed out and shut the door. “Spotted in a cemetery?”

  “An omen for how it will work out for them?” Cale’s comment fell.

  They spread out and talk ceased. He kept to the shadows, grateful for his ability to camouflage. He also stayed wide and checked the perimeter of the cemetery, disarming the few traps he located.

  His tiger warned him of the attack seconds before the demon streaked from the treetops and went for his head. Tiarnán dropped, rolled and came up sword in hand, severing a wing. The creature went down, screeching in pain, until he removed its head from its body.

  There was no need to be warned this time, the sound of their leathery or scales—depending on the demon—against the air was a sound he recognized easily. He called forth another katana and easily dispatched the lead attacker, swords forming an X before him.

  They flew at him from all sides and he whirled, struck, retreated, and attacked again. He powered through them, aware the others were also fighting.

  “Boy.”

  Tiarnán skewered the nearest demon and spun around. There was no sign of the one who’d said that. Gunfire erupted and he swore as a slug tore into him. To his left he saw the New Order person running away. He gave chase and tackled him to the ground. Spinning him over, he snarled low at the sight of the white froth gathered in the corner of his mouth. He bolted up, shuriken in hand, waiting. Listening.

  Gravett was here somewhere. There! Tiarnán tapped his speed and rushed in the direction he’d seen the movement. The caretakers shed. One door led in and out, it sat open. He couldn’t see anything, still he proceeded cautiously.

  Tiarnán didn’t flinch or jump when the door slammed shut behind him. That he’d expected.

  “Parlor tricks, Gravett?”

  “Your arrogance will be your downfall, boy.” A strike of a match sounded before a lantern spilled its light in the shed-sized building.

  He scanned the room. Two demons sat poised on the rafters behind Gravett. Blood dripped from one’s claws.

  “Your pets need to be put down.” He saw the mangled body of the caretaker in a corner.

  Gravett shrugged. “They were hungry. Still are.”

  “Hate to disappoint, I’m not on the menu.”

  “Calm yourself, boy. I’m not here to fight you. I’m here to deliver a message.”

  He didn’t relax his guard. Just waited, watching Gravett’s body for any movement that could prelude an attack.

  “We want the artifacts.”

  “Not news.” He shifted his fingers, the cool metal of the four-point shuriken warming to his touch.

  “I’ve been authorized to offer a deal. You hand them over and your group will be left alone. From Them and The New Order.”

  “No deal.” He backed to the door, cautiously keeping an eye on the lurking demons.

  “Be smart, Tiarnán. How long can you hold out with all these small attacks? You’re their leader. They will follow you and your decision.”

  “And we’ll fight. The New Order won’t stop us. We will complete the prophecy.”

  He shook his head. “No, you will die. So will the others and your mates.”

  “No.”

  “They will follow you to their death. It will be on you.”

  “Fuck you, Gravett.”

  He grabbed himself and leered. “You want it? That why your mate looks so sad, you crave dick?”

  Anger rippled. When had he seen Calida? “Our answer is no.” He mule-kicked the door and it shattered beneath his boot.

  “You’ll regret refusing me.”

  Tiarnán arched an eyebrow. “You? Since when do you have the decision-making power?” He frowned and Tiarnán shot him a feral grin. “Thought so. You’re making the offer because your time is running out and They’re worried.”

  He flicked his wrists and the four stars in each hand flew with astonishing and blinding speed to embed in and kill and demons. While Gravett howled, he sent more at him. Gravett dodged most but not all and made more noise.

  “You’ll pay, boy!” Gravett vanished.

  * * * *

  Tiarnán was exhausted when they returned home. Everyone else branched off to find their mates waiting for them. He went to his room and after a quick, much needed shower, took himself to Calida’s room.

  He knocked once then entered. For a moment, he feared she wasn’t there before he spied her. She leaned against the balcony, and he joined her, resting next to her.

  “Everyone okay?” Her voice was soft and gentle.

  “Yes.”

  “Good.” She walked inside and he trailed after her. It dawned on him that she’d known he would come to her room and had waited up for him.

  She climbed into bed, and he shucked his jeans—his only article of clothing—and joined her. When he reached for her, she entered his embrace willingly. He sought her mouth, groaning when her tongue was there to meet his. Her taste rejuvenated him, filled him with emotions he didn’t know he was capable of having.

  Wrapping her tight, he rolled on his back, bringing her on top. Her breasts smashed against his torso, her nipples tight. He gripped her ass and flexed his hips. Her pussy was wet and she ground against him.

  She rose up and took his cock in one hand only to guide him inside her. Her velvet heat held him tight. There was no teasing—she immediately began to work her hips.

  Tiarnán moved one hand to tangle deep in her locks—she retaliated by sinking both of hers into his hair. In a second, the passion between them exploded and took on an almost desperate need.

  He could see the flames surrounding them, flaring brightly like their passion. She nipped at his tongue and he growled in response. With a swift move, he put her beneath him. Calida wrapped her legs around him, hips never slowing as she undulated with his driving strokes.

  Her eyes were closed and he stopped moving. She looked at him and he resumed. In and out he powered into her, skin tingling as he need increased. Carnal. Raw. Visceral.

  Lips locked, their teeth scraped and breath intermingled as he continued to fuck her. Her pussy rippled and gripped him tighter with each thrust. He could tell he was near but wanted to prolong his own release. It was too much for him, when she came hard. He followed and she milked him. His entire body shook but he rolled again and put her on top. The kiss ended, so she sat up, placed her hands on his chest, and began over.

  Once they’d expended their energy, they went to sleep.

  The water was still, glass like in its eeriness. There was no breeze. Not even the grasses along the banks moved. No animals croaked, chirped, or called to anyone else. A light mist rolled in but hadn’t yet reached the shore.

  One minute dead silence, the next a full out attack. They wouldn’t stop coming. Wave after wave they attacked. They were drones, uncaring if death found them. There was one goal and that was to kill. Kill her.

  Dracen fought but she was weakening. A tall creature, mostly shadowed, rose up behind her from the ground and impaled her with his sword. The point of the blade skewered her through the chest, emerging coated in her blood.

  “Dracen!” he cried, bolting up in bed, rolling Calida from where she’d lain on his chest.

  He was covered in sweat and blinked when the room was bathed in light. Calida tugged on a shirt and approached him, her expression cautious.

  Calida wanted to hurl up the contents of her stomach. She couldn’t begin to explain how painful it was to be jarred awake, rolled off the chest of the man she shared a bed with as another woman’s name burst from his mouth. The only thing that kept her in the room however, was the stark fear with which he’d yelled Dracen’s name.

  Even so, her insides were at war with what she accepted to be the caring thing to do and her gut
reaction to his behavior. Storming out, getting away from him, was important to her. Yet her feet carried her closer to the bed.

  Sweat dotted not only his forehead but also his bare chest. Silent, Calida sat beside him, willing to suffer later. He held himself stiff from her, not accepting her offered comfort, pushing the knife in deeper still.

  Around her, the mist from his sign trailed over her skin. Odd, really. The sensation was one she’d not experienced before. She could sense different emotions. Fear. Anger. Desperation. Even a modicum of comfort.

  This is new.

  “I can’t reach her,” he said, more to himself. Or so she assumed when he rose from the bed and walked away nude.

  Her gaze zoomed in on his firm ass as he strode to his discarded jeans and shoved into them. He barely slowed to fasten them before he left, never once glancing in her direction, or speaking to her.

  Calida crumpled and tears flowed unchecked. This was more than a hint of where she stood. It was a blatant, in her face sign.

  She had to leave. Her place was elsewhere. Wiping her cheeks, she stumbled past the mirror reflecting her distraught expression to the door and peeked out. There was no sign of life.

  Retreating to the closet, she withdrew a bag she’d left her old life with. She rooted around in the chest of drawers for a few items of clothing. She didn’t need much, just a few.

  She gazed around the room, searching for anything else to take. All material items. Sitting on the bed, she checked her phone to find a way to get home. Then she walked onto the balcony and stared over the vineyard.

  I’m going to miss this place.

  Allowing herself one more night surrounded by scent of the man who’d captured her heart, she turned off her light and crawled back into bed wearing his shirt. More tears arrived and escorted her to visit Morpheus.

  * * * *

  She was still alone come morning. Calida took her time getting ready. Once she’d dressed, she stripped the bed and remade it. She put the dirty sheets in the hamper and took one final look about the room she’d been given for the duration of her stay.