“She’s dead, her curse would have fallen.”
“Oh no, not when it’s tied to the life of her daughter.”
“No. Only the Elder Guardians have that much power.”
“You were always a fool when it came to the other creatures of Faery. Why do you think your father had you train with mine? He wasn’t as skilled.”
“My father was too busy running the kingdom.”
“I suppose that’s why he died at the harpies’ hands when he followed you into battle to wipe them out? And who won that battle?”
“On their turf. Had they come to the castle, we would have wiped them out.”
“They wanted to be left alone on their mountain where the air fae were happy to stay away from them. You’re the one who made it your mission to seize control in your realm. That has never worked out for any leader.”
Eldred screamed and pulled a blade from an air pocket before charging at Nightwing. He phased out as he started to spin. The blade flashed, splitting into a thousand blades that swirled around Nightwing.
Zoe screamed as her father slashed out and whipped the sword round and round. Blood splashed and flew. Nightwing dropped to his knees as Eldred flew away, becoming solid once again. Blood covered him from head to toe. He sank to his knees.
A whooshing sound pulled her attention behind her. A portal opened, and she saw Kellan. Her heart skipped a beat as Kellan screamed something. He rushed through the portal as she was jolted forward.
Eldred wrapped his arms around her, holding a dagger to her belly. “One step closer, and I’ll slice her open,” he warned.
Her heart sank as Kellan glared daggers at Eldred.
* * * *
Zoe turned to look through the portal, and Kellan’s world slowed down as her lips curled into a smile. Then he saw Eldred rushing toward her.
Kellan screamed, “No!” and shot through the portal, racing toward them.
Eldred shouted a threat as Zoe reached for a chain that hung down her chest and dipped between her breasts.
“Come for me,” Zoe called before disappearing.
He heard Isa and Toryn come through the portal but didn’t have time to look as Nightwing screamed a spell. Magic erupted around Kellan as his power came rushing back. He barely kept his feet as he stared at the man who tried to steal his mate.
“Blood of my blood,” Eldred whispered. “How are you related?”
“Hardly matters, does it?” Kellan sneered, rushing forward.
Eldred disappeared, and Kellan phased out, his molecules heating up as he pushed fire through his cells.
Eldred screamed, his cells collapsing back to reform him as his skin roasted and bubbled. Kellan reformed, the fire dying out as he brought his hands up, causing earth to create shards of rock that speared his legs and feet rooting him to his spot.
“Where did she go?” Eldred sputtered.
“Safety,” Kellan spat, unsure where she wound up. As long as Eldred didn’t harm her, he could handle anything.
Eldred dropped his head, running his hand down his body. Blood spurted and sprayed from multiple cuts. “I would be healing if Brynhilde hadn’t taken the ability.”
“Doesn’t matter. You’re still cooking from the inside out,” Kellan spat.
Eldred dropped his head, then lifted his eyes. “No Storm Master has ever beaten me.”
“I’ll be the first and last.” Kellan swung the Elemental Blade as Eldred lifted his hand to send a whirlwind at him. Kellan walked through the magic, raising his blade. “And you’re no more.”
He slashed the sword down, channeling every element into the blade. Magic hissed to life, erupting in every direction through Eldred’s body. His body broke down, disintegrating to ash that swirled through the air and sucked into the blade as he pulled it away.
“Isa, open a portal to Jayde,” Toryn shouted. “Bring her back here.”
He spun back to watch Isa open the portal. Toryn knelt beside Nightwing.
Kellan rushed over and dropped to his knees. “We don’t have time to wait.” He ran his hands an inch above Nightwing, focusing on healing energy. There was only so much he could do, but anything would buy Zoe’s father some time.
Toryn shook his head. “There were enchantments etched into the blade. I’m not—” Toryn stared as the wounds mended. “That’s impressive.”
“Not much different than transmutation, but I don’t know enough about his insides to fix it all.”
“Looks like you did enough for Jayde to do the rest.” Toryn looked over his shoulder and shook his head. “The blade sucked Eldred into it?”
“Seems that way.” He took a slow breath. “Where did Zoe go?”
“That I don’t know. Was hoping you did. Whatever that necklace was, it was some kind of artifact meant to transport the wearer somewhere, but I didn’t see enough of it to try to identify it. Scotty would know if he could touch it.”
Jayde dropped down beside Kellan. “What happened?” she asked.
Lonny joined them. He explained what had happened to Nightwing.
Nodding, she placed her hands on Nightwing’s chest and pulled the injuries into herself. Because he’d mended the skin, no cuts manifested. Instead, deep bruises formed as she leaned back. Scotty knelt behind her, catching her as she sighed. He kissed her head, gently winding his arms around her as he healed her in his own way.
Nightwing opened his eyes and caught Kellan’s arm. “Nemia gave her a necklace. By now she knows you’re descended from Eldred. That the fight isn’t over.”
“She wants us all dead,” Isa told him.
Nightwing nodded slowly. “Unfortunately, I hadn’t realized the pendant she wore came from Nemia, though it makes sense.”
“Then I know where I’m going.”
He stood and shot a hand out away from everyone else. A portal opened and Kellan stepped through. He stood before the tree that held Nemia’s castle. The wards surrounding the castle had fallen. He opened another.
* * * *
Zoe landed on her knees before Nemia’s throne. Nemia stood before the chair sculpted from a branch of the tree holding up the castle.
The ancient harpy hissed, “Your mate is kin to Eldred.”
“Does it matter? He’s about to kill the bastard,” Zoe spat back.
“He deserves to die like the rest of his line. They tore my people apart, and you would have his child?” She shifted shape and flowed toward her with massive claws raised for battle.
Zoe flew back and threw her hand up, creating a shielding spell before her. Tiny flames flowed up one side, as water cascaded down the other. She could hardly see Nemia on the other side.
“What evil is this?” she growled.
“Isn’t it enough Kellan killed the man trapping you on this mountain? That he ended the curse for all of us? Does that count for nothing?”
“I will have my revenge. You will die as the baby in your womb does. You cannot be allowed to carry that monster to term.”
“You would kill one of the last remaining harpies because of whom I mated?” Zoe demanded, letting power course over her body. Kellan’s magic infused her own. The elements rumbled around her, ready to join any attack she threw.
“Only traitors to our race. He tricked you.”
“We formed a natural bond. He cast no spell. Kellan was as surprised as I was.”
“Liar!” Nemia screamed and flew through the shield. She screamed in pain as fire danced over her body and wings, ice spreading in shards to cut at her wings. Bloodied feathers flew in the gust of wind that brought Nemia to her.
Zoe rose higher into the air and swept around to grab the base of Nemia’s wings with her feet. Zoe flew through the window, dragging Nemia with her as her talons pierced the tender flesh. She flew higher into the air, then slowed her ascent to bend her body.
She used her claws to tear Nemia’s wings from her back. Nemia reached up to grab onto Zoe, but her body shifted back into her human shape. Blood slicked Ne
mia’s grip, and she fell, her screams echoing.
Zoe descended, staying far out of reach, but she needed to make sure Nemia didn’t come back.
A thud and crunching echoed. Nemia’s screams died out as Zoe landed beside her. “All you had to do was let it go. I know you were wronged, but so was Eldred. Your mother’s curse drove him insane.”
“No,” Nemia whispered before her final breath rattled in her chest.
Chapter 29
Kellan stepped into a puddle of blood as he came through the portal. “Shit,” he whispered as he took in what had to be the throne room. This part of the castle was impressive, though it looked like a hurricane had blown through. All except the scorch marks on the polished wood floor.
He followed the trail of blood to the window and ran, catching himself on the rail to stare out. Zoe flew over the valley, clutching Nemia’s wings, taking her away.
He wasn’t sure what happened, but relief swept in. The screams came from Nemia. This side of Zoe was a huge turn on. And she was so damned pregnant.
Nightwing placed a hand on his shoulder. “I know what you’re thinking. That she’s too close to labor to be fighting. Tell you a little secret.”
Kellan looked over with a raised brow. “What’s that?”
“If anything, she’s fighting harder because of your child. I’ve never heard of a harpy having trouble giving birth.”
Kellan turned to Nightwing. “I’m sorry I didn’t meet you sooner. I only hope my parents haven’t soured your opinion of me.”
“They haven’t. Your first concern is my daughter and yours.”
“She has my heart. I only wish I could have gotten to her sooner.”
“I know firsthand how bad that curse is. You needed time to heal or you would have died before you made it to her.”
“So I’m told.”
“My guess, you would have tried if you could have climbed out of bed, before your friends got there to take care of you.”
“You knew about that?”
“Known Lonny and his friends a long time.” He took a deep breath. “Used to hope Zoe would wind up with Lonny but that never happened.”
“Thankfully he didn’t.” Zoe flew up over the cliff, rushing toward them. A smile spread across his face. He took a step back, and she landed before him. “Hey, gorgeous. You okay?”
Her arms wound around his neck as her mouth crashed over his. Then her legs wrapped around his hips as she shifted back to human.
Nightwing cleared his throat. “I’m glad you have your mate back, but I don’t need to see you two rekindle that portion of your relationship.”
Zoe eased the kiss and put her feet back on the ground. “Love you, Kellan.”
“She didn’t hurt you, or this little one?” He covered her belly with both hands, smiling at the kick. “We need a name for her.”
“Nyla?” she asked with a smile.
Nodding, Kellan kissed her softly. “I like it. And you’re both okay?”
“We’re both perfectly healthy. Now take us home, please.”
He dipped his head and threw his hand to the side. The portal opened, and they stepped through. Isa stood alone, leaning against a stump with her hands folded.
“Where is everyone?” Zoe asked.
“The guys are reworking the wards. The dragons are making sure nothing and no one has breached the perimeter. And I’m sitting here because I didn’t know how to help now that I got us here.”
Zoe nudged her shoulder. “Probably best you didn’t join in. Nemia would have wanted you dead too.”
“Crazy bitch,” she muttered. “I trust you took care of her?”
She nodded. “Tore her wings off and made sure she plummeted to her death.”
Isa grinned. “Remind me not to piss you off.”
Zoe shrugged. “I tend to be easygoing. But she threatened my baby and my mate.”
“Your baby?” Kellan demanded. “Ours,” he teased.
She nodded. “Well, she was going to kill me to kill our baby because she was convinced you’re a monster. Neither of them could let go of their revenge.”
“Come, we should celebrate,” Nightwing said. He looked at Isa. “You and your friends, too.”
Isa smiled. “Sure. They may be busy for a while, though.”
“Aye, they will, and they’ll be hungry once they’re done.”
* * * *
Needing a shower, Zoe pulled Kellan toward the bathroom and called over his shoulder. “Father, I’m taking my mate with me.”
He chuckled. “I think you’ve earned some time together.”
Kellan grinned, following her to the door, which he opened.
She snuck past him, and he slipped in, shutting the door. Then he whispered a spell.
“It’s been too long, Kellan. I need you,” she moaned.
He pressed closer, pulling her shirt over her head, then dropping his hands to push the leggings off her legs. Stepping back, he let his eyes rake over her swollen breasts and rounded belly. “Mine, all mine,” he whispered.
Zoe rolled her eyes, stepping closer to rid him of his clothes. “It happened so fast,” she murmured.
“And I missed it all. Next one, I’ll be there from beginning to end.”
“I don’t blame you, baby. I’m amazed you don’t blame me.”
“Shit, it was clearly Eldred and Nemia’s fault.”
“True.” She turned to start the shower. His arms wound around her, his fingers finding their way between her thighs. He circled the bead of pleasure, and she pressed her ass back against his straining cock. “Please,” she whispered.
He guided her hands to the wall, bending her forward next to the shower, and slowly glided into her heat. One hand gripped her hip, the other bracing one of her hands as he kissed her neck. He took the rhythm slow but deep, pleasure rolling through her entire body.
“Kellan, please,” she cried.
He reached around and pinched her clit, sending her over the edge. His head dropped to her shoulder while he continued to pump into her, holding back from coming.
“Kellan, come for me.”
“Come again, and I will,” he panted.
“I haven’t stopped.”
“I know,” he growled, his grip tightening.
Pleasure increased, filling up, and overflowed again. He came with her. “Missed you.” His voice was full of gravel as he wound his arms around her and turned to pull her back against his chest. She spun and met his mouth with hers.
Their bond was strong as ever. She’d missed the physical connection these last two months, but he’d kept the emotional one going in their shared dreams.
“One thing, Zoe,” Kellan murmured.
“What’s that?”
“No more secrets between us. When you learned of the curse, you should have told me.”
“You would have tried to keep me there. I needed you safe first.”
“Yeah, well, I should have known. It’s not like I could have stopped you from walking out the door when you did.”
“Promise. Now what about your mother?”
“Yeah, that was the next thing. Her help is bound to cost something.”
“Don’t pay the bill,” Zoe prompted, pulling him under the water with her.
He smiled. “Don’t plan to. I’ll never trust her again.” He reached behind her for the soap.
* * * *
During lunch, Nightwing watched his daughter and her mate with happiness. So many years he had worried about Zoe, but he’d learned long ago Eldred was too strong for him to kill.
It took a series of events he feared indebted him to Saressa. From the stories he’d heard, she was far worse than Eldred. Kellan possessed none of the qualities he’d seen in Saressa, other than a fierce protectiveness.
Kellan leaned over to whisper something in Zoe’s ear. Her face lit up with such pure emotion, she reminded Nightwing of her mother. In many ways they were similar.
Every day he missed Galinda, b
ut he missed them all. Zoe’s mother was special, though. She’d been his hope for something better. She gave him Zoe. The only of his daughters to survive the trials of mating.
Kellan was the first to go after his mate. Something he’d tried to do several times but was unable to.
He cleared his throat. “Welcome to my family, Kellan.” He turned to Isadora, Kellan’s cousin. “And you as well, Isa.”
A crooked smile graced her lips. “What about Toryn and Lonny?”
“Already part of the family. And the dragons aren’t here, but I’ve known Ororo many years.”
“Can I trust him?” Zoe asked, surprising Nightwing.
He nodded. “Yes. You may want to be cautious around him, but if you treat him well, he will serve faithfully.”
Zoe glanced at Kellan. “I plan to only call on him if necessary. Kellan and Aquila have formed a friendship, and I’d like to think Ororo had looked after me years before.”
“I’m sure he did, as much as he could,” Nightwing answered.
“Our family…” Isa shook her head, a sad smile on her lips. “The more I learn, the more twisted it seems.”
Toryn nudged her shoulder. “No more than the people you already know.”
“I suppose not.”
“You should all stay the night. I am too often lonely here.”
“We’ll make it a point to visit more,” Kellan stated.
Chapter 30
Two days later, Kellan lay entwined with Zoe in their cabin in New Zealand. She curled closer, trailing her fingers down his body. “We’re sleeping,” he murmured against her ear.
Her lips closed over his jaw. “I’ve had enough sleep for a lifetime. We should head back to Seattle so I can have this baby.”
“Can’t we do it here?”
She laughed softly. “You don’t want to make sure there are healers nearby, just in case?”
“Didn’t think we needed that. Assumed we’d be fine on our own.” He shrugged, leaning up on his elbow to look into her eyes. “You want to go back to Seattle?”
Storm Wrath Page 19
