“Who did this?” I ask. When no one answers, I let my power run through me down to my arm. “I’m going to ask one more time. Who did this?” Seven guys come forward while the others move back a little. Nick and Sammy stay where they are.
“Why? Was it just an accident or was it intentionally done? I asked.
“It wasn’t an accident, he’s no good for you, and that’s just sick that you would let him feed on you,” one-man sneers. Taking a few steps closer to him, I feel the rage course through my veins
“You seven will leave and not come back; I don’t want cowards serving and protecting me ever. And you.” I turn back to the man in front of me. I grab his shoulder and let my power out slowly, He grits his teeth and falls on one knee. “You will be marked, and you will never stand in my presence again.” I smell flesh burn as my handprint is seared into him. He screams out in pain and collapses on the ground. Walking away, I head to the pool area. Sitting down, I don’t know why my leg is hurting me. Rubbing it, I look over watching the seven men I banished carry the one on the ground away. Nick comes walking over and sits down next to me.
“You did what needed to be done, Spring,” he says, taking my hand in his. We both watch as the men start training again.
“Sammy is moving faster than before, and he has no limp,” Nick says looking over at me.
“Yeah, I think I have his limp now,” I say laughing. Nick stands up and pulls me up with him.
“What do you mean?”
“It hurts is all, and it didn’t before I healed him,” I said.
Nick unbuttons my jeans and pulls them down to my knees. Looking down, I see that I have a faint scar going across my thigh.
“Fuck, I didn’t see that coming, it should go away here in a few hours,” he says. Looking out I see a few guys walking over, and Nick is on his knees before me, and my pants are down.
“Nick, we’ve got company coming can I pull my jeans up now,” I say laughing. Nick looks behind himself, standing he shields me as I pull my pants back up. Sitting back down, I watch as they walk over. They stop in front of me getting down on one knee.
“We pledge ourselves to you. And would like to be considered for the bond, my Queen,” the first one murmurs. I watch as they all kneel in front of me, smiling I stand up and walk forward.
“I will consider what you ask,” I say, looking over at Nick he gives a small nod. The guys get up and walk into the house. Nick gets up reaching his hand out to me. Standing up, I limp over to him, watching a frown appear on his face I look at him.
“What’s up?” I ask.
“Well, one I don’t like you hurting, and two, please hurry and pick the rest to bond with you only need two more and then I can come back to your bed. I need to be with you, Spring,” he says matter-of-factly. “Oh, and it’s lunch, and the guys won’t eat until you get yours.”
I know I want Sammy, but for the other two, I have no clue. I will have to talk to Nick later about it. Walking in through the door, I see a wide array of foods spread out through the kitchen. Looking over at Nick he gently pushes me, and I start the line. Grabbing a plate, I make my way to the fruits and select some, with a chicken sandwich. Walking over to the pop, I grab one and go to the great room and sit by the fire. I’m cold, from being outside, it looks like it’s going to pour any minute. Sitting down, I start eating a bit realizing how hungry I am. Sammy walks in, and I motion for him to sit by me. Nick, I don’t have to ask; he comes over to the other side and sits down.
“Where’s Mick?” I ask between bites. Nick sets down his drink.
“He’s gathering info for us. We know a huge fight is going to take place, but we don’t know when.”
Shaking my head, I finish up my sandwich and eat my fruit. Looking over at Sammy he is talking to a guy next to him. I know making him one of my bonds will help with among the other guys.
Hearing thunder, I look up just in time to see Tanner running full speed toward me. Setting my plate down I reach my hands out for him, and he climbs up into my lap. Petting him I murmur, “No need to be afraid, baby I got you.” He cuddles in close and shivers.
“Can you talk to him, my Queen?” a guardian asks. Looking over at him, he’s around the same age as Sammy maybe a bit older. Short brown hair, brown eyes, and built like Mick.
“And you are?” I ask smiling.
“I’m sorry, my Queen, I’m Andy.” He bows his head slightly.
“It’s nice to meet you, Andy, and please call me Spring. And to answer your question, yes, I can talk to him, and understand him,” I say. He looks at me with wide eyes, and he says something to Sammy who laughs. I look over at the others, since there are so many of them. They are going to need a place to stay. Standing up, I put my hands down on Sammy and Nicks shoulders letting them know to stay sitting.
“My house is your house. I have extra rooms that you can use and enough blankets to put everyone up. Please make yourselves at home.” Looking outside the weather is turning worse, it’s pouring down rain. “It doesn’t look like it’s going to clear up anytime soon,” I say. Sitting back down, I hear thank yous going around the room. Snuggling into the side of Nick, he puts his arm around me.
“It’s starting to get cold.”
“I don’t like the cold,” I murmur.
“Pick your bonds, and I can keep you warm at night.”. Hearing a crash, I jump up, Nick pulls me behind him.
“Sammy, get up here with me and help protect the Queen,” he yells. Andy grabs my arm gently and puts me behind him as well. Sammy and Nick are in front of me.
Someone yells, “Hellhounds.” Nick tenses as ten hellhounds come through the broken window; they are all snarling and dripping at the mouth. They are the most prominent dogs with red eyes; I’ve ever seen.
“No one move,” Nick yells. They walk over to stand in front of Nick, looking around him I see the most significant one, stop and cock his head to the side.
“Can you hear me, Queen?” I look him in the eyes. “I can,” I say. Before I can stop Tanner, he runs out front, and his hair is sticking up and starts growling. The hellhound takes a small step back. Nick turns slightly to see why I have spoken. Shaking my head, I slowly move forward pushing past the guys.
“Why are you here?” I ask. He looks at Tanner then back to me. “Don’t harm him,” I warn.
“To warn you, that Maddox the demon, plans now as we speak to kidnap you and make you his wife and Queen,” he says. He walks closer and bows his head going down on one knee, bowing before me. I don’t know for sure, but looking at the guys this is a big deal.
“Raise,” I tell them. “They’ve come to tell me that Maddox is planning on kidnapping me!” I tell the others.
“I would leave my son to stay behind and protect you, my Queen,” he sends to me. I watch as a just a big hell hound walks up to the other.
“Who are you?” I ask.
If dogs could smile, I swear this one just did. “I’m King Rufus,” he says. I walk over and bend down on one knee.
“Kneel,” I tell the others, and they do without question.
“It will be my pleasure to accept your offer of protection and your son King Rufus,” I respond, bowing my head. He pads over to me and licks me in the face and across the lips.
“I will take my leave, and all you have to do is call my name, and I will bring an army, my Queen.”
I see everyone jerk; I know they have heard him as well. He backs away and leaves the house the same way he came in; the others follow him out. One of the biggest Hell-Hounds come over and kneels in front of me.
“I pledge myself to you; I will serve and protect you always for, this is a great honor, my Queen.”
“I accept. And your name, brave warrior?” I ask him.
He looks around and says, “I’m Stayne.” Again, I know everyone has heard this Hell-Hound speak. He moves in front of Tanner and nods his head. They seem to be talking.
“Spring, this is a huge honor to have the hellhound King co
me and kiss you. He will always come, and his son is now yours, this has never happened that I know of. Their bite can paralyze Maddox and us too,” Nick says beside me. Looking at the dogs, I watch as they go into the kitchen.
“He will not hurt him, Spring, in fact, he will teach him how to protect you best,” Nick tells me wrapping his arms around me. I lean back to him. Most of the guy’s head downstairs to the basement where there are available rooms for the taking. There are bunk beds in there, so four per room. I think we will still have some sleeping. Where ever they can find a place to lie down.
“Why don’t you take the last room on the right, Andy?” Nicks says. Looking up at him, I know he has picked a bond for me. Nodding slightly, he smiles at me.
“My Queen, erm, Spring?” Andy asks looking at me.
“That’s fine, Andy,” I tell him. He takes the stairs two at a time heading upstairs.
“Picking my bonds for me, Nick?” I ask him smiling. I see Sammy is listening to our conversation.
“Yes, I am, he is a great warrior, I have fought with him by my side many times.”
“You know they are both a lot younger than you,” I say huskily.
“Watch it, Spring, I can still out do them in anything.” He growls grabbing me and kissing me hard. Laughing, I pull away and run to the kitchen looking over my shoulder. I watch Sammy, he starts talking. Stopping I look down on the floor, I can’t believe what I’m seeing. Stayne is lying on the floor with Tanner all snuggled up to him.
“Don’t you dare say it, he’s a small regular pup.”
Laughing, I start to clean up the kitchen. It’s a mess, with this many people, eating. I can’t see how it wouldn’t be. Walking over to the sink, I turn on the water and fill it up to wash the dishes, and put them in the dishwasher. Hearing a noise behind me, Andy walks in and leans on the island.
“What any help, Spring?” he asks, smiling.
“That would be great,” I mummer. I start to put the dishes in the washer, and he wraps and puts the leftovers in the fridge. Looking over at him, I sit down at the island.
“Where are you from?” I ask him.
“Well, before I fell, I was in Heaven,” he says laughing. “No really before that Ohio.”
Shaking my head, I laugh. “Funny, Andy,” I say. Standing, I go to the pantry and grab a few twelve packs of pop to take down to the others.
“Can you grab a few to take down with me?” I ask him. Nodding, he grabs five like they are nothing. Making our way down to the basement, I see the guys just sitting around talking and laughing. When I walk into the room, they all stand.
“Please, please sit down. I thought you guys would like some pop down here, so you didn’t have to run up the stairs all the time.” One of them runs over to take my burden from me. Smiling, he says his name’s John.
“It’s nice to meet you.” I sit down and start talking with all of them. They are a fun bunch to be around. Andy makes sure to sit next to me. Always finding a reason to touch me in some small way. They talk about their families their kids what they like to do or what they like to eat. By the time I look at the clock, it’s already seven o’clock.
“Guys, I have to go see about dinner,” I tell them. Just as I’m about to get up, Sammy comes running down the stairs. “Dinner is ready; come and get it,” he says and runs back upstairs. Standing up we all make our way up the stairs, some are pushing each other and laughing. I tear down the hall with a horde of guys following me stopping dead in my traces I hear shouting behind me then feel bodies smash into me knocking me to the floor with them piling up on me. Lying there, I see Andy is right on top of me trying to hold all their weight off me.
“Is it heavy?” I ask him laughing. I see his arms shaking with all the weight on him. He’s slow to press against me, gasping I feel my stomach tighten as it did with Nick. My eyes fly to his, and he’s grinning so I know he felt it too.
“I’m trying to save you from being squished, Spring. Stop teasing me, you minx,” he says with a strained laugh. My eyes go wide, and my mouth hangs open. Well, two can play. I slowly grab his shoulder and zap him. He tenses up and gives me a dirty look. Doing it again this time he jumps and screams out in surprise. Laughing, I watch as the guys get off him in a hurry. I hear Nick yelling at them to get the hell off me. By the time they all pile off, Andy is sweating like a pig. He gets up and pushes my shoulder, which makes Nick growl at him. Laying my hand on his arm, I start laughing.
“Your hair is sticking up, Andy, you better go take care of that,” I say. He lunges for me. Squeaking I duck behind Nick. Nick starts laughing, and I look around him, to see why. Andy is looking at Nick sizing him up. Nick’s hands reach around, and our fingers lace together. He turns, and we head to the kitchen.
“Not fair, Spring,” Andy says from somewhere behind us. Laughing, I walk to the beginning of the line and grab a plate. Wow, I don’t know who is doing the cooking, but this looks amazing. Starting at the BBQed chicken, I take a small piece and grab all the other stuff.
“I’ll bring you some wine, Spring,” Nick says.
“OK, thank you,” I say taking his plate along with mine to the dining room table. I think we will eat in here tonight. Setting the plates down, I look outside, and it’s still pouring rain. I have to get out to the barn after dinner for a little bit. With Mick gone, I haven’t seen Storm, and that’s not right. Taking a bite of my chicken, I watch as everyone gets their food and sits down to enjoy it. They are laughing and having a good time. I worry about what is to come, and this massive fight they are all discussing, but it doesn’t seem to bother them at all. I’m just still confused about everything.
Chapter 15
“So, what’s on the agenda for tomorrow?” I ask Nick. He takes a sip of his wine looking over to me.
“Well, training for the men and, honestly, you need to be training as well. We won’t know what we're up against until Mick gets back tomorrow but you need to be ready for anything.”
“Do you think Maddox will try to kidnap her, again so soon?” Sammy asks.
“I do. Someone needs to be with her at all times,” Nick says. As I look around the room, there are times that I just like to be alone. Wiping my mouth, I stand up. The guys stand as well.
“Please sit and finish, I’m going out to the barn for a while. I’ll take the hellhound so that I’m not alone,” I say. I just have to get out of here, all this is starting to build, and I have to let it out.
“I’ll be fine with Stayne; you said he’s a killing machine so what will get past him?” Raising an eyebrow, I look around the table. Nick nods, pushing my chair out I call for Stayne he comes trotting up with Tanner in tow. Smiling, I pet Tanner, and he kisses me like crazy. When he’s older, he will be enormous and dangerous in his own right.
Walking to the laundry, I put my boots and raincoat on. Opening the door, the wind and rain whip at me hard. Taking a deep breath, I run for the barn, jumping over the puddles that I can and going through the other’s that are just too big. I just about run into the side of the barn because I couldn’t see it. Finding the door, I swing it wide and the dog's barrel inside the barn. Following them, I shut the door behind us and flip on the lights. The dogs start to shake their-selves and water flies everywhere. Laughing, I fetch an old towel and start with Tanner trying to dry him off. Boy, he’s a wiggly little thing. As I look him over, it’s going to be the best that I can do. Looking over at Stayne, he walks over to me, and I wipe him down as well. Getting to his face, I can’t believe he has red eyes, yes red eyes. He reminds me of a wolf but way more significant. And his teeth almost look like a lion’s. He growls a bit and walks away to find a nice pile of hay to lie on top of. Tanner looks at me cocking his head to the side.
“Go,” I tell him, he jumps with a bark and goes and finds Stayne. I can’t believe how good that hellhound is with him. Walking down the aisle, I locate a jumpy Storm waiting for me. Opening the stall door, I stroll in and pet him. Running my hands along his side,
I just want to snuggle with him; he’s so soft and warm. Wrapping my arms around his neck, I snuggle my face into his hair. I love the smell of a horse, the barn, the hay everything about them.
Pushing away, I grab a brush and start brushing him; he begins to lean into me, it must feel good. Getting done with him, I leave the stall throwing two flakes of hay to him. Walking to the other stall I pet the mare, which belongs to Mick. Walking in, I brush her out and then give her some hay. Going to the grain room, I grab two scoops and provide them with food. I don’t have to worry about the water it's automatic. Which, is apparently lovely in the winter. I look around; there’s no more hay down here. Walking over to Stayne, he lifts his head. “I’m going to the loft for hay I’ll be throwing it down, keep Tanner by you?” Stayne growls and lies back down. It’s only right that I let him know where I’ll be. Heading to the ladder, I start to climb up when lightning strikes close and thunder booms, making me jump. The lights flicker, but they come back on. I don’t like it pitch black out. Shivering, I make it to the top of the ladder. The lights are on but are a bit dim up here. Walking over to the hay I lift one and step to throw it down in the aisle, getting about ten of them I walk over and open up the loft door. Sitting on a bale of hay, I watch it pour outside. If it keeps this up, it’s going to start flooding. We will be fine up here on the mountain, but I worry about the townspeople.
Hearing a noise behind me, I see Andy making his way up here. Turning, I watch as lightning streaks across the sky.
“What are you doing out here?” I ask him.
“Nick told me to come check on you,” he says. He gently puts his hands on my shoulders and starts rubbing. Groaning I lean into his hands. It feels wonderful. After about fifteen minutes I look over my shoulder up at him.
“Your hands are amazing,” I say smiling at him. Andy lets out a heavy breath and comes to the side to straddle the hay his knees touch my leg as he sits down.
Spring's Destiny Page 10
