by Grey, T. A.
His jaw dropped then he fixed it. He rubbed the bridge of his nose. “I know.”
Fine, she'd let him get away with that for now only because they were sharing a moment together that she loved. Under her breath she said, “I know you do too.”
He didn't laugh but she caught his grin. “Come on, let's walk around.”
They kept near the castle where the snow only reached their ankles. The place felt like something out of the Dark Ages. The castle had parapets with armed Atal Warriors carrying bows across their backs and along the wall and even more guards paced the perimeter.
“Tell me about your life in the rift.”
He grimaced and didn’t speak for so long she didn't think he'd answer. “My parents weren't in my life much, but my father coached me to be a king. I spent hours every day learning how to govern people. When I grew older I realized I didn’t like how he'd been doing it.”
“Why?”
“The rich got to live in this lavish lifestyle while the workers who provided the jewels and clothing from hard-earned time got nearly nothing, living in decrepit houses. I hated it. Made me feel guilty.”
The castle was so large it took them nearly five minutes to reach the back of it. Only more snow met them. Lily could easily see a pretty little garden, maybe even a barbeque pit out here, but not with the snow. Maybe a hot tub, she'd have to mention that to Chloe.
“Alrik used to follow me around. Wanted to be wherever I was, used to hang on to every word I'd say. He also used to get me into a lot of trouble.”
Lily laughed thinking of the time she'd made it look like her sisters had trashed the bathroom while she'd been asleep. They'd gotten in trouble but later fessed up to the deeds. For which her sisters responded in kind by giving her a tittie twister and a noogie. Sigh, good times. Innocent times.
“Do you know why he changed...physically?”
His lips tightened. “I've given it some thought.” He said it so casually she knew he probably hadn't stopped thinking about it. “Either he's truly become corrupt in his heart and the evil of it has metamorphosed to alter him physically, or he's under a spell of some kind. I wouldn’t doubt either one.”
“What kind of spell?” Telal turned to look off in the distance and Lily suddenly had a great idea. Kneeling down, she scooped up some snow.
“One to control him, change him. I don't know. I know some dark magic but nothing like that.”
“Who would?” She packed the snow into a tight ball between her hands. The snow froze her skin, melting a little in her palms.
His shoulders tensed. “My mother and some of the royalty come from a strong line of black magic users.”
The snowball sailed through the air and plopped against the back of his head. Lily giggled, her hands flying to cover her mouth as powdery snow clung to his hair falling in specks onto his jacket. He turned slowly and her heart pumped faster.
The evil gleam in his eyes made her squeal and she took off running as fast as she could with the snow slowing her down. The snowball landed square in the middle of her back and she yelped even though it didn't hurt, falling into a fit of laughter. She turned to see him barreling after her. She knelt and deftly made another snowball. She threw it but he dodged to the side and missed it. Her heart raced even harder now, her laughter unstoppable. She made another and let it fly. The snowball landed straight in his face in a puff of white dust.
He plowed into her laughing. The sound so free and wonderful she laughed with him. He shook his head like a wet dog and the snow fell onto her face making her squint and jerk her head around to avoid the cold flakes.
Their eyes caught and laughter slowly died. Everything tensed between them, even the air and wind didn't bother them. His head came down so slow as if he had all the time in the world or was ready to savor it. And then his lips crossed hers. Her arms pulled him down, melting them together, pressing their bodies as closely as possible.
Warm and wet his tongue felt so much hotter against the cold of her cheeks and nose which had surely turned pink by now. A hot, raw sensation built in her belly. Each time his tongue darted, circled, pulled back to only sweep in again, she grew wetter. The demon could kiss.
He pulled back, his eyes dark with arousal. She shivered under his gaze which clearly stated I'm going to take your clothes off now.
“Let's go inside.”
She nodded and let him pull her off the ground. She laughed as he patted her back to knock the snow off and in the process managed to grab her ass several times.
“Deviant.”
“Witch.”
“Demon.”
“Lilit.”
She glared at him as she struggled to think of another name. “Rogue!” He laughed at that one and pulled her inside the castle. He started to lead her upstairs when Tyrian stepped out of his office at the end of the hall.
“We need to discuss some things.”
The happy feeling inside her died just like that. Telal nodded, gave her a quick kiss then left her. Right before he went into the study he turned back and gave her that sexy look again. “Be naked when I get back.”
She laughed and darted for the guest room.
CHAPTER 41
“Hey you!” Lily stopped at the top of the stairs as Rayn came around the corner.
He grinned and eyeballed her outfit. “Been out playing?”
“Yes and it was great. How you doin'?”
“Good and happy birthday to you, Ms. Bellum. Have you gotten to wear that little lingerie number Chloe got you?”
She laughed. “God, I'd completely forgotten about that; it's back at home. No, I haven't worn it yet.”
“Well my offer to see you in it is still up.”
“And so is mine. You try it on first and then I will.”
He pressed a fist over his heart. “You wound me, Lily. What does a man gotta do to get you naked?”
Lily rolled her eyes. “You are such a flirt and a bad one too.”
He smiled big. “That's not what women tell me.” He backed her against the wall and leaned one arm above her head caging her in. “I hear I'm pretty good at it.”
She laughed at his attempt at a deep and sexy voice. “You are so ridiculous, really.”
“How about a kiss for old time's sakes?”
She pushed at his chest. “Oh please, we've never kissed to begin with and we're not starting now. I happen to be in love.”
He shook his head, his eyes turning sad. “There's nothing he can give you that I can't. Besides, I'm heading into the rift soon and I might not come back.”
He'd meant it as a joke but her smile dropped. “You'll come back.”
“Damn, sorry, didn't mean to kill the mood. Now I'll never get that kiss.”
“No you won't,” said an angry voice. Lily and Rayn turned to see Telal there just as his fist came flying. It connected with Rayn's jaw and sent him stumbling, his back nailing the wall and shaking the paintings hanging on it.
“Telal!”
Her plea went unheard or ignored because Telal advanced on Rayn and socked him in the mouth, hard. Rayn groaned and dropped to the ground, his hand cradling his face.
Telal pointed at Rayn. “Never touch her again.”
Telal grabbed her hand and dragged her down into their bedroom, the door slamming behind him. He cornered her, backing her up.
“Who's he? Why did he almost kiss you?” He looked wild, crazed.
“He's one of Tyrian’s guards. I met him a year ago here at the castle. He's just a friend, barely that.” She realized she had her hands up in a protective stance and forced them down to her sides. Even though he bristled with anger he'd never hurt her. “You didn't have to hit him.”
His jaw clenched so hard she was surprised teeth didn't break. “You're mine and no one else gets to touch you. Do you hear me?”
She thought about it for a second. “Maybe if you phrase that differently then I'll hear you.”
He shook his head. “What are you t
alking about? I don't play around and neither do you dammit.”
“Tell me how you really feel.”
He rolled his head around in a circle. “I am telling you. Are you listening to me, Lily?”
“Yes and that's not what I meant. Tell me how you feel about me.”
That snapped something inside him. He took a step back as it registered. He looked away then his gaze crawled back to her, possessive and menacing.
“Take off your clothes.”
He reached for his and started peeling layers revealing golden skin, a royal tattoo, and pierced nipples she wanted to flick with her tongue. “Not until you admit it.”
He glared at her. “Take. Them. Off.”
For some reason she obeyed. Her fingers shook as she took off the coat and shoes but she stopped there. “Say it, Telal.”
He stood there butt-ass naked and tossed his head back with a frustrated shout. When he looked at her again his breathing had deepened, sped up. “Fine.”
She pulled off her shirt and pants, leaving her in her bra and underwear. “Fine what?”
She had the pleasure of watching his cock lengthen as he looked her over with his hungry eyes. “Just...fine.”
“Just fine doesn't do it for me.” She lifted her chin a notch.
He marched to her so fast she didn't have time to back up. He cupped her cheeks in his hands and looked her in the eyes. “I love you, all right? You good now? Because I'm ready to fuck.”
“Oh.”
Telal pulled her panties down her legs and unsnapped her bra in a matter of seconds. He grabbed her by her ass and lifted her, her legs naturally winding around his ass. He gave her no warning. He speared inside of her. A harsh moan left her. He didn't move slowly but thrust into her with hard demanding strokes. Their mouths met, fused together. Passion encased her like a dense cloud. An orgasm rose inside her. His cock swelled even more and she knew he was right there with her. She had to jerk her head away, her arms squeezing tight around his neck as her core shuddered, milked, and came.
“Lily!” he called out, his voice laced with lust. His hips picked up pace and his gliding strokes prolonged her orgasm into drawn-out erotic rush.
They fell onto the bed, each helping the other up to the pillows. “That was...”
He grunted and buried his face in her hair. “Fantastic.”
“Yeah, that's about right.”
Lily's muscles felt warm and she yawned as her body melted into the bed.
“You meant what you said?” she said.
His lips kissed over her ear soft and gentle. “I do.”
Her heart felt like it'd burst from her chest. “I love you, too.”
Lily curled up against Telal, and when his arm easily went across her waist to hold her, she smiled. Everything was finally looking up.
Hours later, something woke her. A sound, or a creak in the floorboards, something. Night had settled in casting the moon's glow through the window and creating shadows in the corners.
“Telal?”
Lily patted her stomach but didn't feel his arm. She turned around on a sigh and tossed her arm over him. Her arm landed on cold bed. Her eyes flew open.
“Telal!”
She was out of the bed and in the bathroom, and finding it empty in seconds. Her hands shook as she pulled on her clothes. She couldn’t seem to move fast enough. In the process of pulling on her underwear she snapped the seam.
“Damn it!”
She ran down the hall, her bare feet slapping on the cold stone floor. She came to Rosa's room and banged on the door with her fist. “Rosa! Open up now. Rosa!” She heard movement inside but couldn't stop her hand from hitting the door.
The door swung open hard and she couldn't halt her fist. Her swing glanced off Rosa’s cheek.
Rosa’s eyes darkened into a scowl. “What do you want?” Her accented voice sounded heavy from sleep.
“Telal's gone. Where's Kearnyn?”
“He's—” Rosa paused then ran back inside. Lily followed, flipping the light on. “He-he left?” Her big brown eyes shimmered with tears.
“I'm going to search downstairs maybe they haven't left yet.”
Lily searched the castle up and down. Her mind racing faster and faster. He couldn't have left yet? He wasn't supposed to leave until tomorrow. He just told me he loved me! How could he do this?
She woke Chloe and Willow and found them both surprised that Tyrian and Lyonis were gone.
Lily's panic transformed into anger. “You really didn't know they planned to leave a day earlier?” she said to her sisters.
They shook their head. “No,” Chloe said, “Tyrian said they were leaving tomorrow. It looks like they fooled all of us.”
Lily ground her teeth until her jaw cracked. “Come on, Rosa.”
“Where are you going?” Willow called out.
“I'm going down there with them.”
Willow pulled her arm bringing her to a stop. “You can't go down there. They are trained warriors; there's going to be a battle down there. You'll get yourself hurt.”
Lily shrugged off her hand. “I can take care of myself. I'm going to get mother out. I promised her I would.”
“Take me with you,” Willow said.
Lily slowly shook her head. “No, Willow. You have a baby. Stay here with Mary and wait for Lyonis.” Willow looked like she'd argue but her eyes softened and she nodded.
“You're right, Lily.
Lily let out a deep breath she hadn't known she'd taken “Chloe, you're staying too.”
Chloe threw up her hands. “Fine with me, I didn't want to go in the first place.”
Lily laughed, she couldn’t help it. Chloe laughed with her and some of the tension inside Lily eased. There was only one last person she needed to talk to. Lily turned to Rosa. Her eyes looked hardened now, the tears long gone.
“Will you come with me? I could use your help but if you don't want to, I completely understand.”
Rosa nodded, her eyes sharp with knowledge and power. “Let's go.”
It took much longer than she liked to prepare two protection spells, gather the enchanted daggers and the potions she'd made before. Lily and Rosa pulled on a shoulder bag and stuffed their items inside. Each had a potion that would take them and her mother into the rift and one to take them out.
Lily had never seen Rosa look so resolute. She moved calmly but her power practically glowed around her.
“The protection spells won't last long. If we get hit physically or with magic, it'll take the brunt of a few blows, but depending on how hard or powerful it is, the spell won't last. We need to get in and out.”
“Got it,” Lily said.
They each double-checked their items and Lily wondered if Rosa's stomach tossed and turns like hers did. Sweat beaded her brow and her heart wouldn't stop pounding.
Chloe and Willow came forward. “Be safe,” Chloe said. Lily returned Chloe's hug and inhaled the fragrance of her sister’s hair just in case.
Willow hugged her even harder with her strong arms and she thought she heard a sniffle but when she pulled away Willow’s eyes shone clear. “Stay strong and tough. And do not give up.” Lily understood these words came from experience, from Willow's own dark experience under the rift.
“I will.”
Rosa pulled her in for a hug too. Surprised, Lily wrapped her arms around her long-time friend. Guilt ate at her with sharp teeth. She had brought her only friend into danger. If something happened to her... God, she didn't want to think about it.
Lily stiffened as Rosa whispered in her ear. “Remember my warning.”
I die from a dark man on a dark throne.
Lily knew that but she also believe she had a say in her own death. Visions can't always be accurate and if she had to prove it herself, she would. She needed to help Telal, and she needed to save her mother. That was more important than anything else. It’s what Papa would have wanted.
She already had the plan in her mind. Resc
ue her mother, send her back with Rosa, then go and help Telal. She didn't know how she knew it, but he'd need her help; all the evidence she needed was sitting right there writhing around in her gut. He'd need her.
Lily felt the need to say something back, but she stumbled over the words. Eventually she pulled away. “I love him, Rosa.”
She nodded, her lips pulled into a sad smile. “I know.”
They locked hands together, picked up their potions, and then drank the vile sludge. They both gagged and forced the drink down. Her stomach rolled and flexed trying to push the sludge back up her pipes and spew but she kept her lips sealed shut to keep it down. A hard gulp later and together they read the spell aloud. When the last word left them, the world spun, and darkness enveloped them.
CHAPTER 42
The team conspired in the study in the middle of the night. Lyonis and his main lieutenants Jackie and Thane hung together, battle ready with armor and tight fitting clothing. Telal hadn't anticipated shapeshifters coming along but their skills could be a great asset. The demons didn't have any practice or experience fighting with shapeshifters, their great sizes, speed, and strength would help them much on this night.
Telal ran a hand across his mouth, still feeling the lingering taste of Lily from when he'd kissed her before he snuck away. He'd debated leaving a letter, even using the pen she'd bought him which had easily become his favorite utensil. But something had kept him from doing it. Whether the thought that he might not come back and she might cling to something so negative or because he might not have been able to leave if he stayed there for much longer.
He'd done one thing right at least. He told her he loved her. And he did. So much so that he planned behind her back to leave early while she slept. He knew she'd still try to come. It was in her nature to want to help him, protect him and even others. She was the same way with her sisters, her friend Rosa, wanting to help and protect anyway she can. This wasn't her battle though, and the thought of her being down there while battle raged on made him cold with sweat.
Everyone spoke in hushed voices or not at all. Tyrian was armed with metal gear over his shoulders, chest, and legs in a modern take on a knight's outfit, and three of his best Atal Warriors stood quietly, lethally holding battle axes that shined to a point and swords at their hips with knives and God knows what else in that belt. They wore loose-fitting linen shirts and close fitting pants. Telal was as ready as he'd ever be.
