Zane turned and lifted his hand freezing Nick in place. “I must do it. The kingdom needs you. I am your son, but my life is for the kingdom, this is my sacrifice. My life is no more important than Nick’s, or any other faithful servant.”
Zane has the true makings of a king. He can be selfless, and he regards his life no more important than that of his men.
Ivy shot up. “Your life is important to me. You don’t want to date me anymore, and that’s fine, but we can be friends.”
Zane signed. “I never wanted to date you Ivy. I intend...”
“Son. Don’t say it. If you should fail the tournament, it will only hurt her when you are killed.
Zane strolled to the bedroom door. The guards parted for him and he stopped and turned to Ivy. “Caro, I have made you a promise. This is the most important one of them all. No matter how long it takes, my feelings for you will never change, fade, or diminish. I promise you that you will be my wife, and I will strive every day to make you happy for the rest of your life.” He walked out the door.
Ivy flopped back on the bed against the pillows. “Can someone tell me what just happened?”
“My son broke an ancient law to save your life, and he must face a thousand deaths as a result. I won’t lie, most royals don’t survive this tournament.”
Ivy’s lower lip trembled. “Do you think Zane will survive?”
Gregory smiled. “He will, if you give him a reason to live.” He walked to the door and closed it behind him.
22
Arianna
I reached the log cabin door. I twisted the knob, but the door didn’t open. The wolf leaped over the railing and its teeth sank into my neck. Crimson blood poured out of my neck, as I thrust my knee into the door and the door swung open. I stumbled into the house, grasping a lamp, and beating the wolf over the head.
It rolled over and jumped on my chest locking its sharp teeth into my carotid arteries. My body began to shake. I felt so cold and I began to shiver, despite being inside the house. The pain wasn’t as bad as it was before. My body had gone numb and I couldn’t feel my limbs.
A white wolf knocked the wolf off me. I couldn’t move and I tasted my coppery blood on my tongue. The white wolf jumped on the wolf’s back and locked its sharp teeth on its neck. Snap. I heard the wolf’s neck snap and I cringed. It was too late for me, but at least the wolf wouldn’t kill anyone else.
Closing my eyes, my thoughts drifted to Kyra, her children, and mom. It was funny how I had family, but they didn’t care about me. My true family was the people at the academy. They were the ones that fought by my side and risked their lives for me. Bloody, hot breath fanned across my cheek. Scrunching my nose, I opened my eyes.
The white wolf placed its paws on my chest and leaned down and sank its teeth into my neck. Grunting, I tried to move my neck, but I couldn’t move, its jaws were locked on my flesh. I felt blood seep into my body. Warmth flowed through me, and I stopped shaking. My eyes closed.
I woke up. The white wolf was sitting over me watching me intently, and I scooted back from it. Glancing around for a weapon, I noticed there was a lake near me. The wolf transformed before my eyes, into a beautiful girl.
“Arianna come with me,” she said.
Was she Cade’s sister, Letoya? I am not sure I should go with her. She tried to kill me. I did try to kill her first, but I had good reason.
I didn’t move. “Who are you?”
I am not at the log cabin, and there isn’t snow on the ground. It is warm here. I am sure I bled and died in that cabin. This place wherever it is, must be a place Valcrum had created. This must be where you go when you die.
She turned around. “If I wanted to kill you, I would have.”
Getting to my feet, I wiped the grass off me. “You sank your teeth in my neck and finished me off.”
She shook her head. “You were dying. I gave you the option of life. Go inside and all will be clear.”
Shrugging I headed toward the house. Once I passed her, I stopped at the door.
“Letoya, you and your brother need to work on your communication skills.”
Her lips curved. “As do you, or have you told him you love him yet?” She lifted her eyebrow.
I wanted to punch her in throat. I hadn’t told Cade how I felt. It is hard for me to connect with a guy. I don’t like to be emotionally vulnerable any more than I like being physically vulnerable.
Opening the door, I walked inside. The door shut behind me. The place looked like a regular small traditional home, that was cozy and clean. I walked to the table and sat down. Glancing at the door, I resist the urge to run out of the house.
A woman appeared. She waved her hand, and everything moved out of her way. She lifted her hand and my body floated in the air to her.
Was this Zena? Most think she is a myth. Her power and ruthlessness are legendary.
“I can see why he is in with love you. You are beautiful. I’m glad you are nothing like your sister.”
I swallowed hard. All my life I’ve been judged by Kyra’s actions and I don’t want to be standing in front of Valcrum being judged for Kyra’s crimes.
“Am I dead?” My eyes widen as her fingers wrapped around my neck.
“Do you feel like you are dead?” Her voice was spoken low, but it made the walls shake.
I shook my head. She opened her hands and I dropped on the table. Pain seared through my back. My breath was knocked out of me. I curled up into the fetal position trying to breathe.
“Do you know why you are here?”
“No.” I sat up. My chest heaved and my body trembled. I fought the urge to move away from her.
“You are worthy to be in my tribe, but are you worthy to be his?”
I was grateful that Valcrum felt I was worthy and enormously elated that Zena found me worthy to be in her tribe. It was scary. I’m not sure being in her tribe won’t worry me to death with the responsibility.
I frowned. “His?”
Shaking my head, I tried to focus on the here and now.
“Are you worthy to be Cade’s?” She bent her head down and stared into my eyes.
What does he have to do with this? I haven’t said I would date him yet, but I do intend to, now I am not sure. I don’t understand. Why is she asking me about him?
“I don’t want to be Cade’s.”
“You love him. He loves you. Your destinies are intertwined. What you two will create, will change the world.”
I scooted back from her. “We can’t create anything. I haven’t agreed to date him yet. He’s a vampire and I am an angel. We’ll get over these feelings we have for one another.”
Her lips curled. “You think you can just ‘get over’ love? You almost died trying to save him, twice.”
My face felt like it was on fire. “We both want to do the right thing. We will do what we must and ignore these feelings.”
The roof of the house flew off. A flash of silver flew in. I blinked, trying to see what it was, but I couldn’t gaze upon it without being blind.
“Valcrum. Arianna thinks that she can ignore her love for Cade,” said Zena.
I closed my eyes. “Valcrum, please, don’t ask this of me. I am not an emotionally-connected-to-others type of person. I can’t let him in. We will destroy one another.”
“You love him, Arianna,” said Valcrum.
“We are two damaged people who don’t know how to love. Please, take these feelings from us. We can fight and protect and cherish, but we are not capable of love.”
Valcrum chuckled. “Your love for one another wasn’t something I did to you. You found each other, and I have been forced to watch you both fight a losing battle, thinking it’s what I wanted.”
“Your love has touched me deeply, and it will change the world. I know it,” said Valcrum. He placed his hand on my womb and heat spread through me.
“Through your love for one another, you will heal each other. There won’t be pain, loss and regret. Don’t b
e afraid to love who you love and trust your heart, completely,” said Valcrum.
When I opened my eyes, Letoya was standing in front of me. I felt different. I was raw and emotional. Salty tears ran over my lips, but I stood there ignoring them. I’m not sure why I was weeping. It normally took a death to make me cry, so I guess I am overdue.
“You are needed back at the academy. A lot has happened since you’ve been away,” said Letoya.
“Are you coming back with me?” I held out my hand to her. I realized Letoya was not my enemy and perhaps she never was. It was hard reading her. Whatever she felt, it wasn’t clear on the surface and unless she felt like sharing, we might never know.
“I will be there, when the time is right. I always show up when the time is right.”
Frowning I shook my head. “I’m sure Maximus would not agree with you.”
She looked at me and there were tears in her eyes. “Maximus is in love with Claire. He only thinks he is still in love with me. Our time has come to an end.”
I blinked and I was standing in a room in the academy. Ivy was in the bed on an IV drip. My hand flew to my mouth.
“Ivy, what happened to you?”
23
Cade
Everything was going wrong. Liam had disappeared. Arianna was missing. I don’t know if Michael, or any of the other DAO, has her. Over the past two days, I have screamed, raged, and cried in the privacy of my own room, and nothing has helped.
I have been on my knees so long I think I need some knee pads. I know that Valcrum heard my cries and prayers, so now I just need to be patient. I’m not as levelheaded as Liam and I am not fit to lead.
Splashing water on my face, I scrubbed it clean with a washcloth. My eyes are as red as a stop light. Dropping some eye drops in them I head for Liam’s office. Gregory and Zane are having a parental spat, while the fate of the world hangs in the balance.
I’ve always wanted children but seeing them and their dilemma, caused my eye to twitch. I realized that I wouldn’t make a good father. Maybe one day, if Valcrum is willing, but now, I am not sure.
Valcrum have mercy on me. I am your loyal servant. Please, do what you will with me. Cover your people in the blood and do not fault them for my insecurities.
Slamming my door, I navigated through the hallways. The students took one glance at my face and scurried away, which was smart. My intelligence points to an attack by Nathaniel and his mutagen army and a possible attack by Michael and his DAO army.
I know I am wrong. I am screwed up a thousand times over to hope that the DAO attack happens, but I do. Arianna was gravely injured and to think she is at Michael’s mercy, for her womb. That is a reality worse than death.
My fists ball up at my side, and my chest is tight. I can’t draw breath through my lungs. I lean against the wall to gather my composure.
His hand gripped my shoulder. “You are stressed beyond your tolerance level. Take a deep breath,” said Maximus.
“Shaking my head, I jerked free from him. “I can’t. Every time I closed my eyes, I saw Michael, and I heard his voice saying what he promised to do to her.
Maximus looked away. “I wanted to wait to tell you this, but I think this will relax you, even though it will probably mean the end of us.”
I turned to face him. Maximus looked uncomfortable. He almost looked like he had something shoved up his butt. I had never seen him look so lost.
Well, maybe when he discovered Claire missing. He was crazed. He was an alpha werewolf, inconsolable. Luckily, she came home, healthy and contrite.
“I can’t sleep. I can’t eat. Heck. I can’t think without seeing her face!”
“Michael and Nathaniel have joined forces and they will be attacking us tonight. They have the numbers and with the DAO it is not looking good for us.”
“We have Zane’s army and Gregory’s imperial guards as well. They will not be expecting that. We also have Cosima and Chaniya, who can fight the DAOs.”
I was elated. I’m not sure why. This would be our final stand. Cherish women. My woman deserves to be treated with love, respect, and honor. Children are a blessing from Valcrum, and rape is something no one should have to go through, especially not my girl.
Maximus smiled and pushed me in the shoulder. We walked toward Liam’s office. There was a lot to do before the attack tonight and I was stalling walking into this office.
“I hope Arianna, wherever she is, stays there. It is hard knowing this kind of threat is coming and not knowing if you can protect the people you love,” said Maximus.
This was where the rubber met the road Valcrum would now know that the hearts of the werewolves and vampires have never left his side. Our ancestors screwed up, but we are making it right. The wrongs that have been done to his people will be righted, avenged and forgiven through our blood and our life force that will be sacrificed.
Tonight, we sacrifice the greatest gift we have. Our lives and our spirits will once again be joined with Valcrum.
“Are you sending Claire and Alexa away, to the Realm of Dreams?”
Opening the office door, I walked inside. My heart slammed against my chest as I saw Arianna, Letoya and Claire, and Ivy. Maximus closed the door behind him, and I heard his intake of breath.
I walked up to Arianna. “Are you alright? We searched high and low. We thought Michael had you.”
Arianna turned to my sister. “Michael?” She picked up the glass of water and drank deeply.
She shrugged. “The DAO want you, specifically, to breed with.”
“What?” Arianna spat the water in her mouth out and it landed on King Gregory.
I love this woman. Wait, did I just say I love her?
Ivy rushed over and handed Gregory some napkins. Orion was in the back laughing and coughing, trying to cover it up and failing miserably. Akio was elbowing him in the side and that was only causing him to laugh louder.
Zane looked at me. “So, what’s the plan?”
Claire held up her finger. “One second, Cade.” She snapped her fingers and forty mutagens including, Trinity and Fred, were now standing in front of me.
Smiling I walked over to hug Trinity and clasp Fred on the back. “It’s good to see you guys.”
Trinity smirked. “I couldn’t bring everyone since we are guarding The Compound, but I brought the warriors I could spare. There are forty of us, here,” said Trinity.
I walked to Liam’s chair and sat down. This is the plan. “Alexa, Gail, and Rachel, you will go to the Compound with them, I pointed the three warlocks out, Kraven, Benzo, and Lorenzo. You will stay there and guard the humans, until we arrive.”
Alexa shook her head. “I am staying with Claire.”
Claire shook her head. “We need you there, at the Compound. You can fight side by side with me when I get there,” said Claire.
I looked at Arianna. I didn’t want her anywhere near the DAO, but I wasn’t sure she would go for the crap I just gave Alexa.
I opened my mouth. Letoya was standing next to Arianna like they were new best friends. I’d have to get the scoop on that later, if I lived long enough for there to be a later.
“Don’t even think about it, Cade,” said Arianna.
Letoya walked to the window. “Trevor and Kyra are here. They are alone.”
What are they doing here?
“Great.”
24
Trevor
I woke up tied down to a chair. Steel bands bound my hands behind me. Victoria was leaning against the wall. I was in my home, but she was much too confident. Something had changed. I knew my men wouldn’t turn on me, at least not yet, they still feared me.
“Why did you attack me? What game are you playing now, Victoria?”
My eyes narrowed at her. I gritted my teeth as I flexed my fingers. I could barely feel them, and my right hand was numb.
“You are not focused. Why can’t you see that ever since you met Kyra, you have forgotten why you came to Earth.”
&n
bsp; I rolled my eyes and shifted in my seat, focusing on trying to get my hands loose. “I didn’t come to Earth, Valcrum cast me down here, with the rest of these losers.”
Victoria started to pace. “It’s simple. You are going to prove your loyalty to me.”
What the heck was she up to. I knew she couldn’t kill me unless she was lying about her dying as well. No. She was scared the last time I was dying on my bedroom floor.
“I was never loyal to you. We have a common interest. Stop making it personal.”
Strolling toward me, she straddled my legs. “Trevor it has always been personal between us. You belong to me.”
I wiggled trying to buck her off me, but it was no use. I didn’t have enough wiggle room in the bonds to move a flea off me. Victoria was more like a parasitic leach; she took, until she killed the host and herself too.
“You are right. I have been distracted. You stole my daughter and every time you come you leave her with anybody. I have enemies. For all I know, my daughter is already dead.”
Victoria stood. “I can assure you she is alive and well.”
I shook my head. “You want me to focus, then give me my daughter back. She doesn’t even know me. I am her father.”
Victoria smiled. “Listen to you. You care about her.”
“She’s my daughter Victoria. How could you think I would ever forgive you for what you’ve done?
Closing my eyes, I thought of all the emotions that I had while I was dying on my bedroom floor, and the emotions of finding Dylan dead and Kyra about to be killed before my eyes. So, overwhelmed with grief and helplessness, that tears poured out my eyes running down my chin. I thought of Catalia and the fact that she doesn’t even know me, and how she might be afraid of me.
“You’re weeping. Fine, I will bring you Catalia, but you must do something for me.”
Victoria disappeared. I struggled against my bonds. “Dylan.”
The Pact Between Angels and Witches Page 17
