Protector

by Joanne Wadsworth

  “I’m not in Peacio, nor do I ever plan to travel there. I live here in New Zealand, Dad–” Whoa. Had I just called him Dad? That was freaky.

  “You called me father?” His eyebrows soared, and he clasped his hand over mine. “Nothing could please me more.”

  Damn it. He’d said the blood-bond was seriously strong, and I surely couldn’t deny that. “I hope you realize I’m not enjoying this whole mated relationship or blood-bond thing that’s going on. Someone, who shall remain nameless, tried to convince me it was all going to be a fabulous thing.” I stirred my hands in the air. “In fact, she told me I needed to consider the full circle behind the mated concept. She didn’t mention the emotions one would feel for their blood-bonded parent.”

  “Let me guess–the empath convinced you. You have to watch them. They’re pesky people. All they work on is feelings, and at times feelings cannot become involved.”

  “Well, they are now. Davio is my mate, and I have accepted him. I can’t walk away from him any more than he’d ever allow it of me.”

  A snort. “You make him mad.”

  “I happen to do that to people, and he’s no exception.”

  He dragged in a stiff pull of air. “I used to make your mother mad too. I miss that.”

  “You did? She never speaks of you.”

  “I’m not surprised considering the way I left.” He clenched his teeth. “Your mother is unaware. Of everything. Of whom I am. Of where I come from. Of why I left her the day of your birth.” Harsh words, yet true.

  “How can the mated relationship cross planets? First my mother and now me?”

  “That question is one that’s always confused me. I’m not aware of Earthlings being mated to our own, but I don’t see why it can’t happen. It certainly has between your mother and me, and I accepted that before your birth.”

  I sucked in my bottom lip, nibbling on it. “My mother’s very intuitive. Perhaps she has some inkling? Perhaps you let something slip back then?”

  “No. Kate has believed me gone, and that ending gives her the least pain which certainly eases my own.”

  My legs tingled, and I stood, pacing out the prickling. “I have no idea what my mother believed became of you. She said you left us, but I’ve never asked her for the details. There was never a time that seemed right.”

  Having not heard his approach, I jumped as Alexo settled an arm over my shoulders. “It’s difficult to watch your distress when we do not have long together. There is still much we need to speak of.”

  I groaned. “Lay it on me. I might as well have it all.”

  “I need to explain your boiling blood in the presence of your mate.”

  “How do you know about that?” Then I realized–forethought.

  “The aggression you experience around the direct bloodline of Loveria is a part of our genetic makeup. We’ve detested our enemy for centuries, as they have done with us.”

  My mouth opened. “Carry on.” Then shut.

  “A thousand years ago our family separated from Peacio, taking the lesser opposing land of Dralion. There was tremendously bad blood between the Wincrests and the Loverias at the time, and that came about because our families alone held the highest skill of forethought. A war was waged and they won.”

  I clamped my hands together. “You can’t let bygones be bygones? It’s been millennia.”

  “No, for ours is an age-old war, and one that will never end. Over the centuries, information has been passed down within our line, that the Loverias won the battle unfairly. Having seen the written evidence, I agree with my father. The Loverias should have left and not us. This means the only way to gain back our stronghold is to eliminate, in full, the Loveria line.”

  “You wish to destroy all three.” I pulled in a ragged breath, knowing I simply couldn’t become a part of such a thing.

  “And I’m not asking you to.” He was so proficient in reading my thoughts. “I’m simply explaining why our two lines have so opposed each other. Even though Davio has not yet thought of it, that state of tension is yet another which will prove you are descended from me.” He crossed his arms. “You must understand our history has decreed our future, and our blood will always war with theirs.”

  My lips pressed together. “Well, isn’t that incredibly helpful.”

  Sighing, he tilted his head. “I’m sorry. Perhaps you can explain one thing to me.”

  “If I can.”

  “How is it you can stand the presence of your mate? I’ve personally witnessed you touching. This should be impossible, or at least extremely unpleasant, considering our blood feud.”

  “Ah, I merge my mind with his, and provided we touch, we cease clashing.”

  His gaze narrowed. “You merge your mind with his? Don’t you mean you read his projected thoughts? There’s no merging of the mind with this.”

  “Um, he hardly allows his thoughts to escape. What I mean is I bed down in his mind, and it’s real nice and comfy, but I only do that with him. You must be able to do it. Davio said the skill of mind-merge would come from you.”

  The lines on his forehead deepened. “If it’s a part of my forethought, then I’ve never activated it. I certainly never needed to merge my mind with your mother’s as our blood never warred. This is unusual.”

  To me everything was unusual, but I kept quiet on that front.

  “You do not mind touching the darkness of a Loveria’s mind? Is this not aggravating in any way?”

  “No, it’s not aggravating. The man infinitely is, but not the mind-merge.”

  “I see. Then perhaps this merging is a necessary extension of your forethought, due to you mating with a Loveria.”

  Well out of the two of us, he should know.

  “Follow my forethought, if you will. I wish to show you more of what will soon be possible for you.” He stood, heading toward the balcony. “Except we need the open air for it to fully activate.”

  I was up for it, and truth be told, my blood-bond with him demanded I please him. Jeez, that was irritating.

  Outside under the night sky, we walked to a darkened corner. “This is the perfect spot.”

  Focused within his mind, I examined how he took Davio’s image and brought it to the forefront. As soon as that happened, my mate’s image shimmered into real time.

  A live feed rolled, and I swore I was there with him as he stood in Belle’s living room. Zac and Viv were to one side. No one spoke–it was eerily quiet.

  “They have no idea what to do,” my father explained. “But as they speak, ensure you listen for you will hear every word.”

  I waited, watching as Davio paced. His lips flattened and his eyes darkened to the point where all flecks of gold within the brown were extinguished.

  “Carlisio did not see where she went.” The words rumbled from Davio’s throat as he ground his teeth together. “She is either near too much metal or beyond Dralion’s energy shield. If that is the case and the warrior has taken her...” He paused, his gaze narrowing on Zac’s. “Then we kill, without asking questions.”

  Silvie entered, pulling a tissue from her pocket and wiping at her reddened eyes. “How? Why? I don’t get this. After all these years, why take her?” I heard the wobble in her voice and I cringed for I should never have left her without first speaking to her of my intentions. Not that I’d known of my intentions.

  My father squeezed my arm. “Silvie is angry at me, not you. She has always been there for you, and she loves you like a sister. Remember that. Always.”

  “I know, but they think you took me when it was I who left. Davio wants me back.” And our last words had been in anger–I hated that.

  “Just look at him. We have yet to meet, and he already wishes me dead.”

  I stared into my father’s eyes. “Hey, you did hit me on the head. He’s been a tad upset over that.” I pressed my fingers into the back of my neck, rubbing. “And he’s not going to like finding out who you are. Heck, even I could not have imagined who yo
u’d be.”

  With a deep inhalation, I returned to watching. Silvie left the room with Belle, and Davio let loose with a string of blasphemous words. Not good.

  I touched my cheeks feeling the flush of heat, which was made infinitely worse by the subsequent acts of death and destruction that were next voiced.

  “Okay, well, I’d say Davio and his protectors aren’t people you ever want to meet.” I fanned my face. “Which means where to from here?”

  He crossed his arms. “You should return to him, without a doubt.”

  I slapped my ears, giving my head a shake. “I’m sorry, but my ears are fuzzy.”

  “No they’re not. Donaldo can’t find you on Earth so that’s where you must stay. I have to consider what to do about the protectors while ensuring your mother remains safe.” He paused, pushing a hand through his hair.

  “The man is still your mate and that is the choice you made, one which I won’t take from you.” He sighed. “I was not given that option with your mother, and I will not repeat history, taking from you what my father took from me. To that end, I’ll return to Dralion and attempt to figure out where our lives are headed from here. It will take time, so be prepared to stay under the radar until I can formulate a plan. I have to consider all involved, even though I detest the thought of doing so.”

  I blinked, nodding. “I’m glad you’re not taking my decision from me.”

  “When I said I would never harm you, I meant it. You must trust in me and believe I will always choose the best future I can for you. Which means I need you to go now before Davio raises all hell. He is preparing to leave Earth and gather more protectors. Should he do that, we will all be in more trouble than our lives are worth.”

  I peered at him. “I’ll catch you later…”

  He touched a hand to my arm. “Yes and a word of warning. I want you to inform Loveria of who I am and what he is now going up against. Let him know I will never see my daughter harmed, and if he chooses to make you a pawn between our two nations, I will see to his death just as quickly as he would’ve seen to mine.”

  I screwed up my forehead, feeling a terrible ache. “Righto, that’ll be a super nice conversation. Thanks for that.”

  “I know.” Alexo’s hand moved fleetingly across my brow. “Do not become distressed. Your forethought is gaining in strength and will be here soon enough. Don’t force it. It will come to you and it will be strong.” He inhaled sharply and pulled me into his arms. ”Ensure you maintain your awareness and take extreme care.”

  I found myself returning the embrace, the full strength of our blood-bond pulling me toward staying right here with him. “This is strange, but I don’t want to leave you.” The words spilled out because I truly didn’t. I wanted to learn more about this man who was my father. We hadn’t had enough time.

  “I know.” He hugged me tighter, tucking my head in under his chin. “The familial connection of the blood-bond is both a burden and a privilege, one I could never deny, not to Donaldo or to my birthplace of Dralion. Although I am soul-bound to your mother and must ensure her safety comes before all else. I understand you will need your mate more than me so go to him.”

  I lifted my head. “How can you be so accepting?”

  His lips thinned. “Carlisio Loveria is a thorn in Donaldo’s side, while his son Everio and grandson Davio, are no better. I am their enemy. What more can I say, except that the days ahead of us will not be easy.” His thoughts flickered with more insight, only he blocked–for the first time. “Now go. I will be in contact again as soon as I am able.”

  Recalling the last image of where Davio had stood in Belle’s living room, I attached the coordinates to make the jump.

  Although my mate had better watch out, for he was about to learn I’d never accept any threat he made to kill my father again.

  Not now that I knew him.

  And then I was there, toppling against Davio’s chest and flattening him to the floor. Lifting in a semi-crouch, I jabbed an elbow into his neck to keep him down, slanting my head as my mind merged with his. “If I were you, I’d stay still. I have something to say.”

  He grunted, attempting to lift, but I wedged my elbow firmer against his windpipe.

  “Faith?” he croaked. “Get off me.”

  There was a low growl behind me and, at a guess, coming from Zac.

  With the slightest of movement, I looked to my right. A blade glinted as Zac pressed it to my neck. He loomed over me, clothed in his black leathers, his legs braced wide apart. “Viv, take the other side.”

  With my eyes trained on Zac, I snapped. “I’m here to talk to Davio, not you.”

  Although I did not see Viv, I certainly felt the sharp press of her blade directly over the vital vein in my neck.

  Zac snarled. “Davio’s not thinking clearly and you’re holding him forcibly to the ground. That’s not going over very well with me.”

  “Too bad. I happen to like speaking my mind, and I’m going to.” Turning my sight back on Davio, I was ready to blast him. “So, I heard you were heading out, to cause some chaos. You want to explain?”

  His eyes reduced to bare slits, his gaze focused on my neck, and he answered not me, but his man. “Damn it, Zac. She’s bleeding. Stand back.”

  “We only protect you.”

  Then I felt it, a warm trickle dribbling down my throat. Taking a slow breath, I pushed on, for a nick to the skin would not harm me. “The Dralion warrior. The man we both know as my father.” I stopped for this was not easy to say. “I’m sorry, but he’s Prince Alexo Wincrest, the son of King Donaldo.”

  Both blades at my neck moved, scraping down a little. Davio’s eyes closed as he took a shuddering breath. “I have her, Zac. Swords down, now. Both of you.”

  He had me?

  Oh, he did. His hands were firm around my wrists and within a split second, he shoved my elbows to the side, taking full control.

  I shook as I landed on him for once again someone controlled me. It seemed my life was no longer my own and at every turn the proof only grew.

  I dropped my forehead to his chest, my heart aching at the loss. A second later, I let the burden go and my tears fell. I let it all out, for the path I’d chosen in life had dropped away under my feet and now I was in a maelstrom.

  “Don’t cry. I–” He stopped, twitchy hands sweeping around my back as he rolled me over. He moved to his feet, fluidly lifting me with him. “Faith, no. Don’t you dare cry. Here, sit.” He pushed me onto the padded couch, shaking his head from side to side, as he crouched in front of me. “These wounds are healing. It’s nothing to cry over.” His fingers swiped across the sword nicks as he directed a murderous look at Zac.

  I wiped the back of my hand to my cheeks. “Did you not hear me? My father is not only your enemy, but your greatest enemy. I met with him, and more than that, I struggled to leave him after he told me I must go. The blood-bond is strong. Why did none of you tell me this?”

  “You were never supposed to bond with your warrior father.”

  Zac snarled. “Exactly.”

  Viv came up beside him. “I’m sorry you were not told, but what we feel toward our family is similar to what we feel for our mated one, only our mate holds our soul. You’ve met Wincrest, which means you’re allegiance to him will surely grow.”

  Lifting his sword, Zac allowed it to hover in front of him. “That can’t be allowed to happen.”

  Davio pointed a finger at Zac, his gaze fixed. “Right now, your actions do not aid me in anyway.” To me he said, “Do not speak another word in front of my protectors.”

  I cupped his cheeks, staring into his eyes. “They should know. Wincrest blood battles in my very veins when I’m near you. Everything in me, every cell and tissue is designed to aggressively oppose yours. Surely you learned this.”

  He gritted his teeth. “Damn it, yes. But it didn’t cross my mind since we were mated. It’s not like a Wincrest and a Loveria meet very often and when we do, we aren’t shaking
hands and making friendly. Swords and bloodshed are usually involved.”

  I glanced at Zac who stood ramrod stiff as I wiped my neck. “I see I’m no different. You’re actually not far off the mark there.”

  Davio took my fingers and wiped the blood from them on his shirt. “Your bloodshed is my bloodshed, and I need you. I will not be separated from you, for that would be a deadly kind of hell–a certain madness if it did.” He leaned in. “For me, who fathered you has never changed how I felt. It only means I must take more care.”

  “Yes, but how does that happen when Wincrest is my father?”

  He touched his lips to mine with the softest of kisses. “I will strategize for it.”

  I pushed him back. “Strategize how?”

  A smile, the gold flecks flickering to life in his eyes. “You are the one person I cannot tell.” Then he ducked in, kissing me proper.

  Drat him, but I couldn’t leave him anymore than I had wanted to leave my father. Heaven help me, but I had returned to my mate as Alexo had instructed and now I needed to give my father some time to figure out our futures.

  I nipped at Davio’s lips, breaking away. “Alexo told me to come back to you, although he did ask me to stay under the radar. He’s coming up with a plan.”

  At his groan, I eyed him. “Let me finish. Alexo doesn’t wish for Donaldo to know about me, or that I attempt to go near Peacio for fear of Donaldo’s spies within your country spotting me.” I paused, taking a deep breath. “But he did have a very forthright warning for you. You are never to harm me, and you are never to place me as a pawn between our two nations. If you do, he’ll kill you just as surely as you would do to him.”

  One brow cocked up. “Wincrest believes I’d be open to giving him any length of time to formulate a so-called plan? The man is an idiot. I’m taking you with me to Peacio as soon as I rid it of Dralion’s spies.”

  I gripped his shirt, shaking him. “Hey, did you not hear me say I’m not a pawn? I know I mentioned the death and destruction part.”

  He mumbled, turning sharply on Zac as he closed in on us, swiftly kicking out his leg and toppling him. “Leave my mate alone. She did not mean my death and destruction. Surely, you can see I’m in no mood for trouble from you. Take Viv with you and leave.”