by I. T. Lucas
Amanda smiled at her mother’s wink. “What do you have in mind?”
“Patience, my dear, you will see.”
CHAPTER 9: ANANDUR
“What?” Anandur barked into his cellphone. What the hell could Steve want less than an hour after he and Amanda had left the control room? Interrupting Anandur’s sleep for the second time this morning?
He’d only just managed to close his eyes when the incessant ringing forced him to answer the damn thing. “Steve, buddy,” Anandur hissed, “unless we are under attack or there is a raging inferno in the building, I don’t want to hear about it. I’m going back to sleep.”
“Sorry, bro, I hate to do this to you, but it was you or Kian, and I chose the lesser of two evils. Our prisoner is trying to communicate… Excuse me for a moment,” he said as rolling laughter sounded in the background. “Shut up, you morons!” Steve’s admonition was muffled, indicating that his hand was covering the receiver. “Sorry about that, the idiots think it’s funny—” he snickered. “I’m so sorry, it’s just that the Doomer doesn’t know we can hear him, and he’s been miming for the past half an hour that he needs to talk to someone in charge. The poor bastard is getting more and more creative with each new charade.” Steve snorted, then inhaled deeply to calm himself. “I think you should check what his problem is. He says it’s a matter of life and death… Unless you want me to call Kian…”
“No, damn it, don’t call him. I’ll handle this.”
“I thought so.”
“Fucking Doomer,” Anandur muttered under his breath as he threw off the covers and pulled on the jeans he’d dropped on the nightstand before getting back in bed. In the bathroom, he splashed his face with cold water and brushed his teeth, again. Looking up, he groaned. Not that he needed the damn mirror to show him that he looked like hell— with the color of his bloodshot eyes matching the color of his hair.
Damn, he’d better get some sleep before hitting the clubs tonight, or he’d scare the ladies away.
Nah, not going to happen.
Nothing short of his demonic illusion could keep females from lusting after him. Anandur flexed his impressive pectorals and smirked. They could never resist all of this.
Yeah, even with eyes that were red-rimmed and underlined by dark circles he was still one hell of a handsome devil. Getting closer to the mirror, he patted a few wayward curls in place. His beard needed a trim and so did his mustache, but it would have to wait. His barber was off today, and Anandur didn’t trust himself with the task. It was too damn hard to manage the dense bush.
Shaving it off, however, was not an option. Without it his damn baby face, though pretty, looked too young. Absurd, considering the fact that he was over a thousand years old. Problem was, even though he loved an eyeful of young flesh as much as the next guy, he preferred to bed women, not girls. But experienced, older females preferred men in their thirties, not twenties, which was what he looked like without the beard.
This was the only concession he made, though. With his height and muscular build, it was more than enough. Anandur bought his clothes wherever he could find stuff his size and paid no attention to fashion trends or designer names. In fact, he liked shopping at discount stores even though he could afford better things. That way he knew for sure that the ladies were after his body and not his wallet. Besides, it was easier to just grab something at Walmart than get hassled by the sales people working at the fancier places.
Grabbing the T-shirt he’d left on the bathroom’s floor, he brought it up to his nose for a sniff. It was still fresh. After all, he’d put it on only this morning when Amanda had so rudely interrupted his sleep. Nevertheless, he tossed it into the hamper and headed back to his bedroom for a new one.
A male could never be too fastidious about his personal hygiene, especially body odor. The more virile the male, the more potent the stench, hence the more grooming required.
Not that Anandur’s obsession with cleanliness extended to his and Brundar’s apartment. The place would’ve looked like a pigsty if not for Okidu showing himself in, every couple of nights or so, to tidy up.
Pulling a plain, grey T-shirt over his chest, Anandur headed to Brundar’s room. If he were lucky, his brother was back, and he would send him down to deal with the Doomer. Not that it was likely, but he could hope.
Nope, Brundar wasn’t back yet.
Crap.
Anandur made himself a big mug of coffee, strapped a dagger to his calf, pocketed a wicked switchblade, and headed for the dungeon while cursing his good-for-nothing brother and the damn Doomer all through the elevator ride.
Besides the Doomer, the guest level had no other occupants at the moment. After his transition, Michael had moved in with Kri. And Kian had released Carol, who up until last night had been chilling in the same miserable cell they had thrown their new guest in.
Used for solitary confinement, it was the nastiest they had.
The poor girl had been begging pitifully to be released, promising she would never ever get drunk in a bar and yap so irresponsibly again. Kian would’ve probably kept her there for another twenty-four hours, but he’d needed the room and had called Onegus from the chopper to let her out.
When he reached the end of the corridor, Anandur stopped in front of the Doomer’s room and punched in the code, engaging the mechanism to open the cell’s heavy steel door. As the thing started its smooth, but slow swing-out motion, he rested his other hand on the switchblade in his pocket. Not that he expected any trouble from the Doomer, the guy seemed smarter than that. But as the saying went; better safe than sorry, or the other one about not trusting a scorpion or something like that.
As soon as the door fully opened, the Doomer backed away and raised his hands, palms facing out, to show he wasn’t planning anything.
Anandur stepped in. “So, what is so urgent that I had to drag myself out of bed and come down here to look at your sorry face?” And a sorry face it was, the haunted look in the Doomer’s eyes leaching out the bite from Anandur’s tone.
“Thank you for coming. I would’ve invited you to sit down, but as you can see, there is nowhere to sit. Unless you want to join me on the mattress.”
“Sorry, dude, but you’re not my type.” Anandur heaved himself up on the half wall that delineated the bathroom area. “Okay, talk, I’m listening.”
The Doomer didn’t sit either. Instead, he leaned his back against the wall and crossed his arms over his chest.
“Are you in charge here? Or is it the other guy? Kian, Amanda’s brother?”
Obviously, the Doomer had no clue who either Amanda or Kian was, or he wouldn’t be asking who was in charge.
Smart girl, she didn’t tell him.
“I’m all that you are going to get, so talk.”
The Doomer regarded him for a split second longer, then dipped his head. “I made a mistake—” he looked up, “when I ran with Amanda, I decided not to eliminate the men under my command. I thought it would look less suspicious to those in charge if only I went missing, not the entire team. I even left my men with the impression that I was going after a Guardian, so when I didn’t return, they would assume I was taken out. That way, I thought, no one from my side would come looking for me. But now, because of my unforgivable miscalculation, Amanda is in danger. They know who she is and where she works.”
His expression was blank, a guarded mask as he delivered his request. “You need to take my men out before the reinforcements arrive, and before they can share what they know with the others.”
“Are you serious? You want us to kill your men?”
“Yes.”
“Cold bastard, aren’t you?” Anandur pinned him with a hard stare.
The man didn’t flinch, his expression stony as he locked eyes with Anandur. “I am, but that’s beside the point. These men are mindless cogs in Navuh’s machine of destruction, and they are deemed disposable even by their own people. If given the chance, they will come after you and your family and r
elish killing your men and raping your women. So if I were you, I would not shed a tear at their demise.”
“I definitely wouldn’t. I’m just surprised at the nonchalant way you are offering me their heads on a platter.”
“I don’t give a damn who I have to off to keep her safe. Or to put it bluntly, other than Amanda, I just don’t give a damn about anyone.”
Shaking his head, Anandur chuckled. “I have to admit, it’s kind of romantic. Gruesome, but heartfelt.”
Dalhu’s expression didn’t change as he appraised Anandur. “What would you have done in my place? If you were lucky enough to find a woman who meant everything to you, was there anything you wouldn’t have done to keep her safe?”
Yeah, probably not, with the exception of sacrificing his family.
Well, that wasn’t precisely true. Some members of his clan he wouldn’t mind.
Still, he understood where the guy was coming from. Having an immortal female to form a lifelong bond with was every immortal male’s dream, with maybe the exception of those who were gay. Not that the Doomer had a chance in hell of achieving it. But Anandur could sympathize with the guy’s yearnings, delusional as they were.
Even if he weren’t a cold-hearted bastard, the Doomer had nothing and no one to care for. The Brotherhood of the Devout Order Of Mortdh wasn’t exactly a nurturing organization.
No wonder the guy had no qualms about offing his brethren for Amanda’s sake.
CHAPTER 10: KIAN
“Kian, your mother is on the phone.” Syssi ran a gentle palm up and down Kian’s bicep.
He cracked one eye open and yawned. “What does she want?” Did it only feel like he’d gone to bed a few minutes ago? “What time is it?”
Holding her thumb over the phone’s mic, Syssi whispered, “It’s fifteen after eight. She says it’s important.”
What the hell could Annani want that couldn’t wait until later? As in much later? After he had his fill of shuteye and of Syssi? Or maybe the other way around…
Even in his exhausted state, Syssi’s innocent touch had stirred him. But it wasn’t as if he could refuse the call and have Syssi tell Annani to call later.
Stifling a groan, he reluctantly accepted the receiver from Syssi. “What is it, Mother?” Kian tried and failed to hide his irritation.
“I am sorry to disturb your much-needed slumber, Kian. But it is imperative that I talk to your prisoner as soon as possible. You can take care of it for me in less than a minute, without even leaving your bed. Just instruct Anandur to arrange the meeting and then go back to sleep.”
It took a moment for her words to penetrate his sleep-addled brain. “What? Why the hell would you want to do that?” He jerked up to a sitting position and gripped the receiver, hard, easing up only when the plastic began to bend.
“I will forgive your slip, Kian, but only this one time,” she said imperiously. “Anandur has just visited with the prisoner. The Doomer insists there is some sort of danger we need to address immediately before it is too late. I need to hear what he has to say.”
With a sigh, Kian swung his legs over the edge of the bed. “I’ll do it. I don’t want you anywhere near that… that thing, Mother.” There were some other choice adjectives he had in mind, but heeding her warning about language, he stopped himself in time.
“I understand your concern for my safety, my sweet boy. But I am in no danger, as you well know, and I wish to talk to the prisoner. It is a rare opportunity to have some of my questions about the Brotherhood answered and to learn about Navuh’s future plans. I am not asking your permission, Kian. All I need is for you to make the arrangements.”
Damn it. When Annani made up her mind, it was futile to try and reason with her. And it certainly sounded like she wouldn’t budge on this one.
“I see that I have no choice, but I’m coming with you.”
“Please do not. I have no need of a chaperone. Anandur will suffice as my protection. And you, Kian, need your sleep. You are no good to anyone when you are grumpy and snappy because you are exhausted.”
This wasn’t good. In Annani speak, she was telling him she didn’t want him to be there, and there was nothing he could say or do to convince her otherwise.
But that didn’t mean he couldn’t take every precaution he could think of. She was right, of course. The Doomer, however big and strong, posed no real danger to her. She could immobilize him with one mental command. Nevertheless, imagining his tiny, delicate mother in the same room with that monster went against every protective instinct in him.
“Give me half an hour.”
“Thank you. I will be awaiting your call.”
With a groan, Kian heaved his legs back onto the bed and dropped his head against the headboard, then reached for the mug of fresh coffee Syssi was holding for him. “You’re a life saver. Thank you.”
“So, what’s going on? What did she want?” Syssi set on the bed and snuggled up to him, placing her palm over his bare chest.
He took a sip and cleared his throat. “She wants to talk to the Doomer.”
“Is it a problem? You think he’ll try something?”
“Not likely. Nevertheless, before I allow her in the same room with him, I’m going to make damn sure he’s neutralized.”
Syssi smirked as she stroked his chest, playing with the few hairs she found there. “I don’t think your mother would appreciate seeing Dalhu chained to the wall. Or drugged. Her idea of interrogation is probably a pleasant chat over drinks and hors d’oeuvres.”
“I know. This is exactly what I’m trying to figure out. How the hell am I going to secure a room in a way that will not offend her sensibilities? And without being too obvious about it?” Kian rubbed his brows.
Syssi leaned and planted a small kiss on his chest. “I’m sure you’ll figure something out. Just be quick about it so you can go back to sleep and recharge.” She extended her little pink tongue and licked at his nipple. “There were some promises—” lick “—you’ve made—” another swipe of her tongue “—that I’m still waiting for you to fulfill,” she husked.
He was tired, but not that tired.
Syssi squeaked as he pulled her up to lie on top of him, and tried to wiggle away. He captured her neck, holding her still and kissing her deep and slow.
She moaned, rubbing herself all over his erection.
“You just wait until I’m done taking care of this thing for my mother… then I’m going to take care of you.”
“Not until you’ve gotten several hours of sound sleep.” Once again, she tried to wiggle out of his arms.
Kian tightened his hold and in one swift move flipped Syssi, pinning her underneath him. “I don’t think so,” he growled, pressing down and letting her feel how hard she had gotten him.
She gasped, and her eyelids fluttered, her body softening in surrender.
“My sweet Syssi.” He eased his hold and kissed her gently, then nuzzled at her neck, inhaling the intoxicating aroma of her arousal. “I love you,” he whispered into her skin.
It was incredible, the way she made all his troubles seem trivial. With her thighs cradling him in a loving embrace, he gazed at her flushed, beautiful face and felt at peace with the world.
Unfortunately, the world was demanding his attention, and although he was tempted to tell it to go to hell and then make love to his woman, he couldn’t.
Instead, he took one more quick kiss and rolled off her. “How about you stay here and wait for me?” he said as he got up and headed for the bathroom.
Syssi scrambled to get out of bed. “You need to sleep. And I can see that it’s not going to happen as long as I’m here.”
She was absolutely right. If he got back in bed and she was still there, sleep would be the furthest thing from his mind. He would pleasure her as he had promised until she screamed loud enough to…
“That reminds me…” he called from the bathroom. “If you haven’t noticed, Andrew stayed over and is sleeping in one of the s
pare bedrooms.”
“The way he snores? I think everybody in the keep knows he is here. He sounds like a broken blender.” Syssi leaned against the door frame and watched Kian as he brushed his teeth, eating up his naked body with hungry eyes.
With a grin, Kian flexed a little.
Her breath hitched. She licked her lips.
Sweet.
“Like what you see?” he taunted, using a small washcloth to dry off the water drops from his face and chest—slowly.
“Oh, you’re a wicked, wicked man. I’m going to the kitchen.” She pushed away from the frame and left, the door swinging closed behind her.
Pity, he wanted to tease her for a little longer.
CHAPTER 11: AMANDA
“Hi, Anandur, what’s up?” Amanda glanced at Annani and clicked her phone’s speaker button on.
“I don’t know how you managed to pull it off, but Kian just called. He wants me to transfer your frog into the largest guest room and secure it for Annani’s visit.”
Yes! Amanda gave her mother the thumbs up. “I had nothing to do with it. Kian must’ve realized, on his own, that Dalhu’s tiny cell is inappropriate for any kind of visit, let alone Annani’s. You know Kian, he would’ve never allowed her to be cooped up with a dangerous Doomer in such small quarters.” She did her best to sound nonchalant. After all, the whole point of this maneuver was about preserving appearances and not challenging Kian’s authority or undermining his status as the leader of this keep.
“Yeah, right… have it your way. Oh, and get a hold of this, he asked me to lend the Doomer some of my clothes. Kian wants him to look presentable for her highness.”
Looking at her mother with new appreciation, Amanda grinned. Everything worked like a charm. “You don’t say… that’s a good idea. And don’t worry, I’ll pay you back for the clothes.”
