by Aliya DalRae
H arrier watched anxiously as Kythryn picked up the hamburger and took a small bite. She moaned as she chewed, and he assumed that was a good thing. She grabbed her napkin and wiped the grease from her lips before commenting.
“Harrier, this is…unexpected.”
“What? Did you think I’d be retaliating for that gods awful mess you dealt me last night?”
Kitty shrugged, and took a small bite of potato. Harrier didn’t miss the flush that tinted her face, though, and what was with the napkin? Once again, she patted her lips.
Corn on the cob, the perfect opportunity for her to display her vulgar table habits, and even that she ate like a lady. Either she had yet to recover from what had happened in the wee hours of the morning, or she was so hungry she was forgetting to be gross. Either way, he liked her this way. Liked it a lot.
Harrier took a bite of his burger and continued to watch her as she ate. She glanced up to find him staring and quickly went back to her dinner, her face reddening again as she reached for her wine.
Something about her tickled his memories again. Another place, another time. Another female…
Bella decided they should have a picnic. Harrier objected, knowing there was nothing he could contribute to their meal, but she insisted. They arranged to meet at the clearing the following night, and she promised to take care of everything.
When Harrier arrived, Bella was already there, having come early to set up their midnight feast.
She sat upon a plaid blanket, her family’s tartan of course, surrounded by delicacies he could find no names for. Breads and cheeses, and fancy meats, all served on silver platters. She poured wine from a large flask into pewter mugs and held one out to him.
Harrier reached for it and brushed her fingers with his own. That spark of excitement her touch always brought to him leapt to his eyes and golden light filled the glade.
Bella sighed. “You have the loveliest eyes. They outshine the moon.”
“You bring out all my better qualities, Sara Bella. Without you I would be but an animal, worthy of nothing and no one.”
Bella frowned and stood to join him. “You shouldn’t say such things. Just because your mother couldn’t see your worth, doesn’t make you worthless. I see you, Harrier. I know you for the gentleman you are. You are so much more than the blood that runs in your veins. You are mine, and it shall always be so.”
Her eyes burned with such passion, Harrier almost believed her pretty words. She knew as well as he did that their time together could expire at any moment. If her father didn’t marry her off to the first eligible male to make an offer, then there would be something else.
Their love was a fairy tale at best, and not the pretty kind with the happily ever afters. Theirs was the kind that ended with people cutting off their own toes or getting eaten by wicked witches. They would not be mated—her father would never agree, no matter how Bella begged. Harrier simply was not the proper mate for someone of her pedigree. They both knew it, and though they never spoke of it, it was simply a matter of time before they woke up to reality.
Until then, Harrier chose to live within the fantasy, even if he could never truly believe in it. Bella loved him, this much was true, and his heart would always be hers.
She reached for his cup, and placed it on a tray next to her own. When she returned to him, her eyes were sparking a brilliant jade and her fangs had lowered. Harrier’s gums ached as his own fangs punched through.
“I think the meal will hold,” Bella said as she grabbed his hands and pulled him to the ground.
They had made love many times, but this time felt different. Bella had an intensity about her he’d not felt before.
As he entered her, her eyes exploded in a kaleidoscope of light. “Take my blood,” she whispered, and Harrier was certain he’d misunderstood. “Now.” She shuddered beneath him, then sank her fangs into his chest, her lips and tongue pulling at his blood as it spilled from the wounds.
Harrier groaned, but hesitated only a moment before returning the favor. He found that sweet spot at the joining of her neck and shoulder, and gently took her blood for the first time.
They knew what this meant, what exchanging blood would do for them. He’d been adamant that this never happen, but with the feel of her fangs in him, in this moment he no longer cared. She was giving herself to him the only way she could, ensuring that the Link would always bind them, at least in their hearts. In their blood.
Their passions shattered simultaneously, and they lay in each other’s arms for a long while, kissing and licking at the twin bite marks to seal them. Bella lay atop him, her fingers playing in the fine hairs on his chest as Harrier’s heart slowly returned to a normal pace.
“Now they will never be able to take you from me,” she whispered as she fell asleep where she lay.
When she woke, they made love again, shared blood again, ate from the glorious meal she’d prepared, and then repeated the process. They stayed together longer than they should have, the moon low in the sky, and Bella had to run to make it home before sunrise. She’d kissed him hard at their parting, promising to see him on the morrow. As she ran for home, he felt the distance between them grow, her very lifeblood a part of him now.
He wanted so badly to believe what Bella said, wanted to share her certainty that they would be together always. But as her essence drifted further away, an ill feeling crept into his soul. The Seer blood within him was screaming, and he knew.
The ending to this fairy tale would not be a happy one.
Chapter Twenty-Three
T he Warriors filled the War Room, each in their customary seat as Nox gave his report. Harrier was the only exception, as he was still off babysitting the cat.
As he detailed his meeting with Mouse, Nox watched each of the Warriors for their reactions. Sometimes it was awkward, being the only male in the room who wasn’t officially part of the Legion. However, as events progressed, more often than not he found himself smack dab in the middle of things. He would much rather be here in an official capacity, but all things in due time.
Mouse had been helpful to an extent, but whatever spell Fuhrmann had placed on him made it difficult for Nox to get the full picture. He’d tried to delve into Mouse’s mind, get the story from the source, so to speak, but Mouse had freaked out. Without the feral’s cooperation, Nox’s mental explorations accomplished nothing and threatened to damage his friend’s already fragile mind. After several attempts, he gave it up as a bad job.
Mason sat at the head of the table, his intense eyes focused as he took in the details that Nox laid out for them. “Is there any way you can convince him to cooperate?”
Nox shook his head. “He’s terrified, Mason. I know Maxx, or rather, I knew him. From what Mouse is telling me though, the Maxx I knew was a pussy cat in comparison. The male has been majorly influenced by Fuhrmann, and whatever promises the Sorcerer has given him have Maxx thinking he can destroy the Legion and take over the world.”
“That’s a little extreme, isn’t it?” This from Martin, the only Soldier in the room.
Mason shook his head. “I’ve learned that nothing is too extreme when the Sorcerers are involved. What about you, Soldier? Did you find anything tonight?
Martin gave a slow nod. “Maybe. I talked to Frank, the homeless guy that helped us out last winter, and he said something’s got the humans spooked. Said that ferals—orange-eyed cult members he called them—were terrorizing people as they came out of the bars each night. He said his business had all but dried up because the humans are off the streets before dark, now.”
“How is it we weren’t aware of this?” Viper asked. “Shouldn’t one of our patrols have noticed that there were fewer humans out than usual? Not to mention a shitload of ferals running around.”
Martin shifted in his seat and Nox knew how he felt. He’d screwed up.
“We were focused on looking for ferals the last couple of nights,” Martin said. “The first night, the lack of humans didn’t r
egister to us. We knew it had been quiet lately, but humans can be odd that way. Once Frank pointed out the connection, though, it made sense.”
“But what about the ferals? If they were out in such numbers, why haven’t the Soldiers noticed?” Viper again. That guy had an attitude tonight, and Nox was grateful to see it aimed at someone other than himself.
“Were is the key word,” Martin countered. “By the time we started working this case, the humans had caught on. They’re off the streets now, so I’m guessing the ferals have moved to a different area to find their meals. Before that, the only thing I can figure is they were doing an excellent job of dodging us.”
“I’m surprised we haven’t found any bodies,” Viper said. “If the ferals are making blatant appearances in front of humans, I don’t understand why they would continue to hide their kills.”
Nox had about had it with Viper’s attitude. Just because the male was in a foul mood, there was no need to take it out on Martin or anyone else. “Perhaps it’s what they’ve been ordered to do. With all due respect, Viper, we only learned of this two nights ago. I’m sure we’re all feeling frustrated right now, but we can only gather the information as it comes.”
Mason placed his palms on the table. “Nox is right. As early as it is, we’re lucky to have the intel we’ve got. Your questions are valid, Viper, so let’s work to find some answers. Martin, you and your team get some sleep. The rest of you, stick around. We have a few more items to cover before you go.”
Chapter Twenty-Four
K ythryn slouched on the sofa with her feet on the table, the clicker pointed at the ancient television. Harrier was “checking the perimeter” for the thousandth time this week, and she was bored stiff.
A whole week, and not one sign of those ferals who attacked her, or anyone else for that matter. Not here at the cabin, and not at her father’s house. Harrier said there were rumors of ferals scaring the humans in Fallen Cross, but he didn’t elaborate.
A million channels, and not a damn thing on TV. Kythryn threw the clicker on the coffee table, stood and stretched. What she really needed was to go for a run. She hadn’t shifted since the night of the attack, and her cat was getting itchy. That didn’t sound right in her head, but truth was it could go either way.
Since the morning she’d awakened with Harrier watching her…ahem…sleep, the dynamic between them had shifted. Gone were the catty remarks on her side, and the grumpy snark from his. They existed together, polite, cordial…
And totally fucking boring.
She missed the days when she could tease him without missing a beat. Loved watching his ears burn when she said things that embarrassed him. Now, those kinds of comments touched too close to the truth, and she wasn’t about to go there with him. Wasn’t about to acknowledge her feelings when he was so obviously immune to her many charms.
And that was another thing. She was still having those dreams. Fortunately, Harrier had taken to guarding her from the living room rather than watching her sleep like a creepy stalker. That didn’t stop him from popping up in her dreams, though, every nocturnal visit leaving her aching to have him with her, inside her.
A few days ago she caught him looking at her, a hunger in his eyes that said he was fighting the same demons she was. A split second later and plain, boring Harrier was back, so she convinced herself she’d imagined it. Day dreaming, probably, since it was the kind of look he gave her when he was prancing around her head at night.
The thought of Harrier prancing made her giggle as she wandered into the kitchen to look for something to eat. Even that had become boring for her. The joy she’d taken in grossing him out had shriveled up and died. She couldn’t even bring herself to chew with her mouth open. It was all just…gone.
With a sigh, she pulled out a box of mac and cheese. It sounded good, but reminded her again of that first night and how he’d choked down that slop she’d given him. She put the box back and pulled out a package of Goldfish instead.
She was lounging on the couch, halfway through the bag, when Harrier came back. He knocked three times before entering—knock…knock-knock—to let her know it was him, then let himself in.
“Evening, Kitty,” he said on his way to the bathroom. At least he was still calling her Kitty. It annoyed her to no end, but it was the only thing that remained of their previous rapport.
A few minutes later, another knock—a regular one this time—made her jump.
Harrier was out of the bathroom and at the door before she could blink. He stood to the side with a gun in his hand, his eyes sparking that brilliant gold that she loved. Hated. She hated it. Damn it.
Kythryn popped another cracker into her mouth, guilt creeping through her as she sensed the person on the other side of the door. She blamed the boredom, of course. She knew she shouldn’t have done it, shouldn’t have made the call, but she was so homesick she couldn’t stand it. If things had been different between her and Harrier, she might not have given in to the temptation, but well, they weren’t and she was missing her daddy something awful.
“Who’s there?” Harrier called, but she could have told him.
She popped a whole handful of Goldfish in her mouth and chewed like a masticating cow. If she could have whistled innocently at the same time, she would have.
A muffled voice replied. “It’s me. Let me in so I can see that my daughter’s safe.”
Harrier glared at Kythryn, guessing what she’d done she supposed, and she shrugged as she chewed. No use denying it.
He opened the door, grabbed Seamus by the collar, and pulled him into the cabin. He stuck his head outside and looked around before slamming the door and reengaging the locks. He then tapped his ear. “Perry, status.”
She couldn’t hear Perry’s response, but assumed it was something like “clear” due to Harrier’s follow-up response.
“Well, keep your eyes open. We’ve got company. Friendly, but he might not be alone.” He then turned to Seamus and said, “What the hell are you doing here?”
Seamus glowered at Harrier, obviously not a fan, but not at all intimidated by the incredible size difference between them. Kythryn came by her small stature honestly.
“I’ve already said, I’ve come to see my daughter,” he said. “It’s been a week, now, and when she called me, she sounded in desperate need of a friendly face.”
Harrier growled and turned those molten eyes on Kythryn. “Kitty, please tell me you didn’t use your cell phone.”
Kythryn shrugged again, but her daddy came to her defense. “Of course, she called me. I can see how being around you twenty-four seven would give a girl hairballs. She sounded awful, and I had to see for myself that my baby girl was being treated properly.”
Harrier ignored him, though, his eyes still shooting laser darts at Kythryn. “What the hell, Kitty? Did your people not tell you how dangerous that was?”
Kythryn swallowed and threw the bag of crackers on the coffee table. She brushed her hands on her jeans and stood to face off with the Vampire. “It’s been forever, Harrier. It’s obvious they’ve given up.” She was in full defensive mode now. She did wish her father had stayed away, but in her defense, she never dreamed he’d drive all the way out there. But that was her daddy, protective to a fault.
“I wasn’t followed,” Seamus added. “I’d know if I was.”
Harrier dragged his hands through his hair and gave it a tug so hard, Kythryn expected to see some of that ginger silk stuck to his fingers when his fists dropped. “They wouldn’t have to follow you, Seamus. They could have tracked us the minute she turned on her cell.”
Her daddy being her daddy, threw his hands in the air and said, “Well, I’m here now, and I’ll visit with my daughter if you don’t mind.”
Harrier threw his own hands up in surrender. “Fine,” he said as he stormed for the door. He grabbed the handle then turned to them. “Stay inside, both of you. And lock the fucking door. Don’t open it for anyone but me or…no. Don’t ope
n it for anyone other than me.
“I’m not an idiot, Harrier. I can take care of myself.”
Harrier glared at her. “Your Overlord felt otherwise.” He headed out the door and when neither of them moved he yelled, “Lock the door. Now!”
With the latches properly secured and Mr. Sunshine out of their way, Seamus took her in his arms and rubbed her back like he used to when she was a little girl. Kythryn sighed. Her cat thrived on physical contact, a touch here, a pat there, and she didn’t realize how much she’d missed it this past week. Nothing a good hug from her daddy couldn’t fix, though, and she held on to him for dear life.
“Is he always so grumpy?”
“Yeah,” she mumbled into his shoulder, “but maybe he’s right. I probably shouldn’t have called you. It’s just…” There was no finishing that sentence, and Kythryn couldn’t stop the tears from falling.
“There, there baby girl. Seeing your old dad isn’t going to bring the bad ‘ens down on ya. I was careful, and look at you. You obviously needed me.”
Kythryn sniffled and held on to her father. He was a lifeline in this craziness, and she clung to him as her only source of peace.
“If that Vampire is the cause of your tears, let me know. I’ll tell the Overlord and we’ll get someone else to protect you.”
That struck too close to the truth, and only proved to make Kythryn cry harder. Of course, Harrier was the source of her mood, but the thought of anyone else being there with her, protecting her, brought on a panic. He was going above and beyond, doing his best to keep her safe.
She cried because she wanted him more than she’d ever wanted anyone in her life. More than Malcolm, even, and she’d thought he was the love of her life. And she cried because she was all but certain that, just like with Malcolm, her feelings were one-sided.
She cried because her father wanted so much to protect her from the one person she didn’t want protection from. And she cried because if he knew she’d fallen in love with a Vampire, her daddy would probably disown her.
