Paladin (Book Two of the Elemental Paladins series)

by Montana Ash

  “What is she?” Diana registered Ivy’s demand. “What the hell is she, Beyden?”

  She didn’t bother listening to Beyden’s response for Max suddenly stopped with the glow worm routine and slumped back against Ryker. Diana cried out in pure happiness and relief; Darius was whole once more. He was naked – very naked – what with all of his clothes being burnt off, but his skin was back and it was a healthy tan colour. Her eyes feasted upon him greedily, checking every inch of him. He was perfect, from his close-cropped hair to the soles of his size twelve feet. The only issue she could think of now was that he was still unconscious and she wasn’t able to kiss him senseless! That was until she heard Ryker cry out and saw Max begin to seize painfully on the hard ground.

  TWENTY-NINE

  Zombie was sprawled across the threshold to his master’s doorway. As Darius approached, he raised his head and gazed at him mournfully with his bi-coloured eyes. His tail gave one desolate wag as he let out a huge doggy sigh. Darius smiled; the mutt sure was cute.

  “What are you doing out here? You look like the world is about to come to an end.” He bent down to scratch him behind his spotty, stripy ears and was rewarded by a happy doggy grin and a bared belly. “You’re easy, you know that? You should at least make a man work for it a little.”

  “Is that right? No wonder you’re so into Diana.”

  He nearly fell on his butt when Ryker’s voice sounded from above him. Straightening, he saw that Ryker had opened the door to his room and was smirking at him. “Ry, hey …” He trailed off, suddenly at a loss for words. Yesterday had been intense. He didn’t really remember too much after the point where he had been engulfed in flames. A fact he was eternally grateful for, after listening to the recounting from first Axel, then Beyden, then Lark and finally Cali when they had all shown up one by one at his door this morning.

  He had awoken feeling refreshed and energised – better than he had felt in years. And that was including after Max’s mind meld thing. It taken a few minutes for the previous evening to come rushing back to him and he had exploded out of bed, patting himself down. But all he had found was unblemished skin. Unable to believe what he was feeling, he rushed to the bathroom and had indeed seen unblemished skin. He remembered Ignatius lining up to throw a palm of fire at Max, his abject fear that he wouldn’t be in time, and then a flash of pure, blinding agony, before waking up in his bed this morning. If he thought hard enough, he imagined he could see Diana kneeling above him, her storm-cloud eyes filled with tears as she begged and cursed. He didn’t know if it was reality or fantasy and he really didn’t want to. Especially since Axel had told him his eyelids had been burnt off. His eyelids! That must have hurt. All of his fellow paladins had brought thanks, watery pride-filled eyes and hugs … or manly slaps on the back. The only people not to visit had been Diana, Max and Ryker. Cali – as the last person to visit – had explained the shape Max was in last night and that she was still recovering. Ryker had ordered her to stay in bed for the rest of the day. Which is why he was standing in the doorway facing a now very awkward Ryker as well.

  “Oompf!” The wind was knocked out of him as the huge paladin Captain wrapped his arms around him in something that could by no means be considered a manly slap on the back. He could barely breathe from the tight squeeze the other man was giving him. Perhaps Ryker wasn’t feeling so awkward after all …

  “Thank you, thank you, thank you!” Ryker stepped back but didn’t release his hold. “My brother, I … just, thank you.”

  “You don’t need to thank me. It is my duty.” He stated. And it was. A paladin rarely got thanked for doing their duty; it was their honour to serve.

  “But it’s not really, is it? Max isn’t your liege.” The words were gentle but they still felt like a blow to Darius.

  “That is something I intend to rectify immediately. If she’ll have me.” He guaranteed Ryker.

  Ryker snorted at that and released him – after giving him the requisite slap on the back that pushed him forward a step. “Are you kidding?” He asked. “All she’s been talking about all morning is; Darius this and Darius that! You’re a sure thing. So I wouldn’t play hard to get anymore if I were you. She’s not into that.”

  By the stern tone, Darius figured Ryker was most likely the one who didn’t appreciate it, but was wise enough not to say so. Zombie chose that moment to give a yip before charging through the open door.

  Ryker grimaced. “I had to put the damn thing outside earlier so I could get a little, you know –” He gestured vaguely. “I swear he watches me with death in his eyes every time I touch Max.”

  Darius chuckled at that. Ryker looked sincerely put out and also sincerely concerned. He was glad to see Zombie had made himself at home.

  “Is that Darius?” He recognised the tenor of Max’s voice but not the sound. It was reed thin and held a quavering note.

  He stepped into the room, only to stop short when he caught his first glimpse of Max propped up on the bed, Zombie now in her arms. She looked like hell! She was so white, she was practically translucent; she had dark circles under her eyes; her cheeks looked hollowed out; and even her vibrant red hair appeared dull and limp. He rushed to the bed and took her frail hand in his, “Max. What …?”

  She waved her hand casually like she always did when she felt they were all being silly, “I’m fine. Just a little tired.”

  “This is not tired. This is …” Death, he thought silently. He turned accusing eyes on Ryker. “She needs vitality! Why haven’t you been recharging her? The others – what are they thinking?”

  Ryker’s brown eyes were grim as he answered, “I know. We all know. But apparently it’s not as simple as that. We’ve all shared our renewed vitality – multiple times. But it’s taking longer to replenish her stores.”

  “Yeah, Ry’s been sharing all night long.” Max gave him a salacious wink, causing Ryker to blush and clear his throat. “I’ll be fine. Once upon a time, I would have been holed up in bed for weeks. I’m feeling better every minute.”

  Darius wasn’t convinced. What must she have looked like last night? Did she almost kill herself to save him? That was unacceptable. “Max. You can’t be going around healing people if this is the consequence. It is entirely unacceptable.”

  “It’s my purpose Darius, my duty. Do you suppose healing is easy? Healing hurts – as you are both very aware. One cannot be healed and not give back something in return. Balance. The scales must be balanced.” She gestured to herself with a hand prominent with blue veins, “This is the price the world demands for balance to be maintained.”

  He took a deep breath, forcing back his instinctive disapproval that the world could go to hell with its demands if this was the price. But he understood; Max was a Custodian, a being none of them had any real clue about. If her nature demanded she heal, then that is what she would do – regardless of the consequences to herself. “Being a Goddess ain’t all it cracked up to be, huh?” He nudged her chin with his thumb, smiling and hoping to lighten the mood. He never used words like ain’t.

  She laughed, causing Zombie to jump around in excitement. “No. It isn’t. But still; Goddess! Way cool!”

  He laughed in tandem with Ryker – she really was adorable. He desperately wanted to beg forgiveness for his reluctance to join her Order and to rectify that situation immediately but he was a little afraid. He glanced at Ryker for guidance and received a small nod. Okay, he could do this. He had fought in the Crusades, and had jumped in front of a spear of fire and had his face singed off! Pushing himself off the bed, he lowered to one knee; “I hereby swear fealty to you Max, Custodian of nature. I pledge infinite service, protection, loyalty and honour to you, my liege and my Order. This is my solemn wish and I do so freely without reservation.” He recited the traditional words solemnly.

  “I accept your service, Darius, with great pride and thanks.” Max’s voice was soft but he could hear the happiness in it. She tapped him on the shoulder, silently as
king him to rise. “But don’t you want to wait until you have approval from the IDC? Make it formal?” She asked.

  No – he didn’t want to wait for a formal ceremony. He wanted to be treated like all the others in the Order – like family. Max smiled, apparently seeing – or hearing – his feelings and thoughts. She reached out to place her hands on him but he shied back at the last moment. Seeing the cringe of hurt on her face, he was quick to reassure her, “You’re not well. This can wait. I don’t want you to over exert yourself.”

  She rolled her eyes – another common expression for her. “Please. This is easy. I could do it in my sleep. Now come here, Sir Darius.”

  Ryker gave him a helpful shove so Max could touch him and the second she did, he felt a warmth spread over his left arm from wrist to shoulder. Black lines began inching their way over his skin in a winding mess of organised chaos. He could see feathers and thorns, thistles and leaves, even an eye or two peeking out. A luminescent grey symbol with one horizontal line and three small vertical ones extending from it, appeared in the middle of his forearm; Max’s druidic symbol for air. He watched the brand thrash about for a moment as if struggling to settle into a comfortable position, before admiring the lines. He was now Max’s official air paladin, her seventh and final element. “Cool.”

  A booming laugh from Ryker and a giggle from Max drew his attention and he realised he must have said that out loud; he wasn’t one to say the word cool either!

  “It’s pretty wicked.” Ryker agreed, running his hand over his own coat of arms.

  Darius felt the link flare to life and he could feel the others in the Order. Wow, they were an amazing group of humans and the bond in the Order was so natural, he had to believe this was designed somehow. He could also feel Max. He had experienced the awesomeness of her powers twice now and had glimpses of her mind and heart at those times, but now he was bonded with her … well, damn! The sheer power of her was astounding. He could barely fathom how she was able to contain all that energy. He turned to Ryker, knowing he was looking a little wide-eyed and dumbfounded.

  “I know.” Was all Ryker said.

  “You know what?” Max demanded, scratching Zombie’s exposed belly.

  “Nothing, babe. All good.” Her lover assured her.

  Max was completely oblivious. Unbelievable.

  “Whatever. Welcome aboard, Dare.” Darius tried not to cringe – there would be no escaping that nickname now. His expression must have said it all for Ryker commented;

  “Think yourself lucky it’s not Inmate!” Ryker growled, causing the puppy to growl back. Ryker thumped on the bed spread and the pup jumped in the air with a yip, before placing his front paws flat and his fuzzy butt up in the air in a play bow. Ryker indulged him, getting down low and moving from one side of the bed to the other as Zombie chased him. What a softy!

  “Now, Darius. About Diana …” Max began.

  “I love her!” He blurted out. It was vitally important that they were both aware that he was in love with the Lady Diana and he really didn’t think he could give her up. He probably should have discussed it before he pledged his allegiance to Max again though.

  “No shit. Everyone knows that, Dare. That’s not what I was referring to. I meant; what are you going to do about it?”

  He swallowed. Everyone knew? Who was everyone? Likely, she was referring to everyone in the house. And here he thought he had been subtle. But to address her question; “What am I allowed to do about it?”

  She scowled at him, “Really Darius? Really? You just got back in my good books by saving me from burning alive and now you want to piss me off again? There is no allow. Your life; your heart; your choice. You can do whatever you want. The question is; what do you want?”

  He didn’t need to even think about it. “I want to be hers.”

  “Great idea! You have our full support. Right, babe?” She smiled at Ryker – who was now patting the puppy into ecstasy. Darius knew he already loved that dog, despite his words to the contrary.

  “I’ve already addressed this with Diana. As long as there are no distractions from your duties and responsibilities as Max’s paladins, then I have no objection.”

  Ryker’s words infused him with hope. “I swear, my duty and my loyalty is to my liege.” He bowed his head respectfully.

  “Ignore him, Darius. He already knows that. You saved me. You have more than proven your loyalty and your honour.” His new liege assured him. “But, back to Diana. She likes bubbles.”

  “I’m sorry, what?” Max was forever going on tangents with her conversations.

  “Diana. She likes bubble baths.” Max explained, giving him a wink.

  Oh! Bubbles? Hmm …

  THIRTY

  “Thanks Cali.” She bumped her with her shoulder. “I needed that.” They had just had a long swim in the calm waters of the ocean, a little further out to sea. Diana was a good swimmer, but she didn’t always feel comfortable swimming that far out alone. But throw in a paladin affiliated with the domain of water? And you had yourself the safest swim buddy in the world.

  “No worries. Anytime.” The blonde assured her, looking fit and lithe in her one-piece swimsuit. Her straight hair was slicked to her neck and back and Diana felt a little jealous. Her own curls were plastered all over her head, face, and neck and were dripping incessantly down her back. If she didn’t wash out the salt soon, they would be completely unmanageable. A shower was definitely in order. But she desperately wanted to seek out Darius. She was afraid she was going to launch herself into his arms and never let him go – pride be damned. But she was still unsure of her reception, from Darius anyway. Max had told her that morning to ‘balls up and go claim what’s rightfully yours, woman!’. It was good to know she was supported.

  Waving to Cali, they separated in the kitchen – Cali going upstairs to her second floor room, while she made her way through the main living space to the opposite side of the house. She loved the privacy and solitude her room afforded her. She also loved the huge, deep set bath tub in her private bathroom. Although the porcelain tub was amazing, it was not self-filling, so she was shocked when she entered the room to see it overflowing with bubbles.

  “Hi.”

  She cursed, her wet feet slipping on the tiles as she pin-wheeled her arms frantically trying to regain her balance. A pair of strong paladin arms caught her to a strong paladin chest and she inhaled automatically, taking in the masculine scent that was uniquely Darius. She looked up and allowed her eyes to feast on the beauty that was Darius’s flawless face. Strong angles, hazel eyes, long eyelashes, firm lips … she was never going to take looking at him for granted ever again. “Hi …” She finally responded, a little breathlessly.

  He smiled and she felt herself get a little damp; it was a decidedly wicked smile. Pushing herself back a little, she asked, “What are you doing here?”

  “Max said I’m allowed to keep you.”

  She felt her eyebrows raise, “Did she just?”

  Darius nodded, losing some of his good humour. “She did. So did Ryker. But even if they didn’t give their blessing, it wouldn’t have changed a thing for me. Do you know why?”

  Diana felt her heart clench and her breathing become shallow. “Why?”

  “Because I love you. I love you, Diana. I think I have since the first moment I saw you, with your hair flying like a flag behind you, covered in blood and dirt – a fierce warrior, a noble knight, the very epitome of a woman. I love you.”

  She couldn’t move. She couldn’t breathe. Darius loved her?

  “Yes. I love you.” He smiled fondly, “You were talking out loud.”

  Air returned to her in a rush and she moved without further thought, launching herself at him and wrapping herself around him like an octopus – legs around his waist, arms around his neck. She peppered kisses over every inch of him she could reach, “I love you! I love you! I love you! Thank you! I’m sorry! I am so sorry! All these years wasted and for what? Stupid stubbor
nness?” She yelled, probably a little incoherently.

  Darius pulled back and kissed her soundly on the mouth before lavishing his lips over her face and neck, “Not stubbornness. Strength. You are the strongest woman I know.”

  She snorted a little at that. Talk about seeing the bright side – eight centuries gone! “Not as strong as Max.” She pointed out.

  “Ah, but Max isn’t a woman is she? Technically, she’s a Goddess. That’s a whole different kettle of fish. Don’t you think?” He grinned and looked so young that Diana felt herself fall in love with him all over again. It had been a long time since she had seen the boy inside the man. He was always so rigid and in control, the mature knight of times long past. She loved this new look on him.

  “What now?” She asked, needing clarification and direction.

  His grin turned wicked again and he began undressing her without further ado. “Now it’s time for a bubble bath.”

  *****

  He peeled the plain black pair of swimmers over her shoulders and down her creamy thighs. Who knew removing a piece of wet spandex would be so erotic? As each inch of glorious skin was exposed, his breathing became more erratic and his body tightened to the point of pain. He had been hard since the moment he had begun filling the bath with the amazingly scented bubbles. No wonder she smelled so good all the time! He tapped her foot, silently asking for her to lift it and step out of the wet material. He looked up at her from his vantage point at her feet and damn near swallowed his tongue. Her stomach was flat and her breasts full, moving with every breath she took. He started at her ankles, running his hands up and over smooth calf muscles and thighs, bypassing her feminine mound, and up to cup her generous flesh. Despite his own raging desires, he kept his movements unhurried – they had all the time in the world. With Max still recovering, they had nothing on the agenda for the day. It meant he could spend the day worshipping the lush body in front of him and he could begin making up for lost time.