by Rosalie Redd
“Of course…and call me. Maybe you can come to the Emerald City for a visit sometime.”
“I’d love that.” Olivia winked once more before heading down the hall.
Sheri’s stomach quivered. She didn’t want to see Michael. Gah, he’s just another patient. She pressed her lips together. Time for her rounds.
Several hours passed and after helping with the dinner rush, she looked through the dining hall’s window. The late afternoon sunlight streamed through the panes, cascading a brilliant rainbow of colors onto the carpet. As she passed through the beam, the sunshine seemed a bit too warm, causing an uncomfortable tingling on her arm. She flinched and rubbed the red spot on her skin. I didn’t think it was that hot today. A slow sigh eased from her lungs.
She picked at the skin around her finger and glanced at the clock on the wall. Its thick hands covered the large numbers—6:25 p.m. She’d avoided Michael all day. There was always another patient to visit first. Maybe that was the excuse she’d told herself. She’d even volunteered to give Mrs. Alton a sponge bath, but the time had come, and she couldn’t ignore her final patient.
Steeling herself for the task, she took in a large breath and left the dining hall. As she walked down the corridor, her soft-soled shoes skated on the linoleum. A couple of her co-workers chatted at the nurse’s station, but caught up in their conversation, they didn’t seem to notice her. Approaching Michael’s room, her stomach fluttered.
Michael sat in his bed, his eyes focused on the TV—a comedy. Although she couldn’t pick up the specific words, the laugh track cued, the contrived chortles filling the room. She stood in the doorway, taking the brief moment to evaluate her patient. His face wasn’t as pale as when he’d first arrived, and he appeared relaxed, his hand gently grasping the remote.
He must’ve sensed her, for he glanced her way. The gleam in his eyes brightened. “Sh…Sheri.”
Her scalp prickled. Putting on her best smile, she forced her feet to move. As she approached, he studied her with his intense gaze. She placed her hand on his shoulder and gave him a gentle squeeze. “How are you today, Michael?”
“G…good. Glad…to…s…see you…Sheri.”
“How about we take a look at your arm, see if we can remove the bandage.” She gripped the edge of the chair, pulled it close, and sat next to him. Her heartbeat raced, but she wouldn’t show him her unease.
His gaze roamed her face, his crooked smile beaming. She unwound the bandage, and when her finger brushed against his skin, a small spark crackled.
He flinched.
The hair at her nape rose.
“I’m…I’m sorry, Michael. There’s been a lot of static electricity in the air lately.” An uneasy chuckle escaped from her, and unwilling to look at him, she focused on her task. “I hear you’ve kept Jason busy with your speech therapy. It’s working, I can tell.”
“Made…progress, yes.” His deep voice skated over her nerves leaving a trail of goosebumps along her arms.
Just finish this and get out of here. She forced a smile.
“Let’s see how your skin looks.” As she ripped the bandage off, part of the scab came with it. A drop of blood pooled in the wound.
Sharp pain lanced through her teeth.
Blood pounded in her ears.
She pushed against the chair, her knees knocking against the armrest in her haste to stand. The muscles in her legs shook.
What’s happening to me? She ran her tongue along the edge of her teeth. Sharp points. A scream bottled up in her throat. The urge to flee rippled through her.
Michael gripped her arm, surprisingly firm for a man in his condition. “Don’t…r…run.”
She met his gaze.
“I know…what’s…h…happening to…you.”
She froze. How could he know? Adrenaline spiked through her veins. She yanked against his hold, but he was too strong. “Nothing’s happening to me. Why would you say that?”
“Sam’s…Hof Brau. Eat at…S…Sam’s.”
Her legs trembled, and she plopped into the chair. The pounding of her heart echoed in her ears.
“Sheri, my bug…listen…t…to me.”
Her heart skipped a beat. Breathing became difficult, her lungs refusing to expand. A million thoughts exploded in her mind, confusing her. “Ram?” she whispered.
His eyes lit up. “Sheri, don’t…go to…S…Seattle.”
Her need to flee overwhelmed her. She yanked against his grasp. He released her, and she stood once again, her legs wobbly. “How is this possible? This isn’t real, none of it. I’m losing my mind.”
“Not cr…crazy…you—”
She turned and bolted for the door.
Michael raised his voice. “Tanen…”
She stopped.
Her shoulders tensed. Slowly, she glanced behind her.
He frowned. “He isn’t hu…man…and now…n…neither…are you.”
Ram held his breath. Sheri stood in the doorway, poised to flee, her arms and legs visibly tense. At the mention of Tanen’s name, she’d halted. When she’d turned to face him, he’d seen the yearning in her eyes. She cared for Tanen.
Ram’s heart clenched as if she’d stabbed him with a thousand knives. He couldn’t blame her for leaving their marriage, messed up psychopath that he was, but he wasn’t that man anymore. For so long he’d wanted to prove to Sheri he was honorable, and here he thought he’d get a chance to win her over.
At this point, that no longer mattered. She wouldn’t take him back, not now, not ever.
When the blood had pooled in his wound, her eyes had dilated, and with his old Gossum senses, he’d picked up the slight change in her scent, the tinge of something…more. She was a Dren. This male he didn’t know, this Tanen, had changed her.
Fate had turned her into one of the Lemurian warriors, his old enemy, but he’d never see her that way. To him, she would always be Sheri, the love of his life. A part of him had known all along that winning her back was a long shot, but that would never happen, not now. All he’d ever wanted was to be the one to make her happy. To do that he’d have to give her up, convince her to be with Tanen. Losing to the enemy yet again in this intimate way crushed his soul, but he couldn’t deny his love for Sheri. He’d do what he could to help her.
“What do you mean—I’m not human?” Her wide, disconcerting gaze bore into him.
He’d said the words on impulse, anything to prevent her from leaving. She needed to know what she faced, yet his inability to speak clearly hampered him. A ball of frustration coiled in his gut. He concentrated on his mouth, forcing his tongue and lips to bend to his will. “I…can…h…help you.”
Her brows creased, her lips pursing. He recognized that look—fearless determination. Good. She’d need it.
The desire to touch her again, feel her warmth, caused the fingers on his good hand to twitch. He motioned for her to return to the chair. She hesitated, and he held his breath.
On unsteady feet, she approached. Instead of sitting as he’d requested, she stood alongside his bed.
He’d take what he could get.
He gripped her hand. Another small jolt of electricity raced up his arm. All Dren received a unique gift after the transformation. She seemed to have a powerful one.
“Sheriiii…” He tapped two fingers against his lips then touched his chest over his heart.
She blinked. “Ram…how is this possible?”
His chest expanded. “Sheri, love…you s…still. Go to…Tanen. He w…will help you.”
“How do you know about Tanen? How could you?”
“I…know of him, his kind. You must go…to him—”
She tugged on his grip and a hot, powerful jolt of electricity rippled along his nerves, breaking their contact. The air fizzled with static electricity. A bone-chilling agony radiated from his chest into his brain, reigniting his age-old passion with pain. A shiver rang along his arms and he smiled.
She backed up until she bumped into the
empty chair. “I…I have to go to Seattle.”
He shook his head. “Go to…Tanen. He’s your best…chance…to s…survive.”
“I’m so confused.”
“You…love him.”
Her brow wrinkled and she bit her lip.
That was all the confirmation he needed. Tears threatened in his eyes as his love for her burned deep inside. “I…love you. Be strong, bug. Believe in…him…and yourself.”
“This isn’t possible. I’m human, I tell you, human! I can’t handle this, not any of it.” Shaking her head, she took a tentative step backward then bolted from the room.
Running when things got tough was Sheri’s natural response. He knew that all too well. Ram closed his eyes and leaned his head against the pillow. A sense of detachment worked its way into his mind, relaxing his shoulders. He’d never see her again, but he’d given her the opportunity she needed to find herself, find a love that could be everlasting.
The pain in his chest expanded, pressing on his lungs. His heart skipped a beat, then another. A wild keening sound echoed in his room, the steady noise bringing a gauntlet of people.
“Call an ambulance, stat.”
“I’ve got the chest compressions.”
One of the nurses placed a mask over his face. She squeezed an attached blue-colored bag and oxygen forced its way into his lungs. Someone pressed against his chest, again and again, pumping blood through his veins. It didn’t matter. The desire to live no longer burned inside. He’d accomplished his goal by putting Sheri’s needs above his own, thus proving to her, and himself, he was worthy. That was all he needed. As the sounds faded, he left his broken body behind and headed to Lemuria.
CHAPTER 33
Saar glanced at his king, and a bead of sweat dampened the base of his neck.
“Did you find Tanen and Mauree?” Noeh’s deep voice echoed through the Throne room.
Quoron shuffled his feet.
Revin coughed.
Heat radiated from the sunstones lining the chamber, and the bead of sweat rolled down Saar’s back. The carved owl perched over Noeh’s desk seemed to glare, as if mocking Saar for his failure.
Saar cleared his throat. “We came close—”
Noeh slammed his hand into his fist. “Close isn’t good enough. We have to find that traitorous bitch.”
Both Quoron and Revin took a step back, their attention focused on the stone floor.
Saar stared at his king. A niggle of worry tightened his chest. Noeh’s reaction was so out of character.
“Ah, craya.” Noeh ran his hand through his hair and leaned against his chair. The ornate wood creaked as he settled into his seat. “Quoron, Revin, leave us, please.”
Quoron bowed.
“As you wish, Your Majesty.” Revin glanced at Saar before both he and Quoron exited the room.
Jax closed the double doors, then stiffened. He looked at Noeh. “Oh, Your Majesty, oh, dear, not sure what to do, no, not at all. Am I to leave? Or would you rather I stay—”
“Jax—”
“I really don’t—”
“Jax—”
“—know what do.”
Noeh chuckled. “Jax, the day I kick you out of my chamber would be a sad day indeed. Please, stay.”
The little Jixie’s shoulders visibly relaxed and a smile lit up his eyes. “Oh, thank you, Your Majesty, thank you.”
Noeh stood and placed his hand on Saar’s shoulder. “Forgive me, my friend. With Mauree still on the loose, I’m a bit on edge.”
The tension in Saar’s shoulders released. “For a minute there, I thought something had happened while I was away.”
Noeh raised an eyebrow. “All is fine in the Keep. Now, tell me, what of Mauree and Tanen.”
“We tracked them to the outskirts of the forest…to a human home.” Saar pulled a toothpick from his pocket and stuck it in his mouth. “Seems we weren’t the only ones who’d found them because the place reeked of Gossum.”
Noeh inhaled. “Are they dead?”
Saar met Noeh’s gaze. “Not Mauree, for her trail led back into the forest. Quoron and Revin suspect that Tanen is dead.”
“You don’t believe that.”
Saar removed the toothpick from his mouth and paced. His frustration built along with his blood pressure. “He may be injured, but I don’t believe he’s dead.”
“Saar. Look at me when you speak.” Noeh’s voice was low, even.
Saar turned to face his king.
Lines formed around Noeh’s eyes. “I can’t read your lips with your back turned.”
Saar’s stomach clenched. “Forgive me, Your Majesty.”
Noeh gripped Saar’s shoulder. “No need to apologize, my friend. Just be aware. Now, what did you say?”
“I think Tanen may be alive. I’d like to return to the house this evening.”
Noeh shook his head. “Tonight is the Ostrum ceremony. I need you to lead the warriors and provide security for the event.”
Ostrum. Saar had lost track of time and forgotten about the spring ritual. A numbness crept into his veins, turning him cold. “Mauree. I still think she may show.”
A tic pulsed in Noeh’s jaw. “As we discussed, that is a possibility.”
“I hope she does, then we will recapture her.” Saar’s pulse pounded, conviction winding its way into his chest.
Noeh’s brow furrowed.
Saar’s gut twisted into a tight knot. “Tell me your concern.”
“Council members, merchants, and civilians alike will be at this ceremony. Everyone in the Keep, including Mel—” Noeh clamped his mouth shut, and the tic resumed in his jaw.
“Melissa and Anlon will be there.” Saar closed his eyes on a slow exhale. He tensed and peered at his king. “You could forbid them to go, make them stay at the Keep.”
Noeh snorted. “Yeah, right. Not if I care to live.”
Saar’s heartbeat picked up. How he envied Noeh’s relationship with Melissa. He’d always wanted a mate, but he’d avoided females, or rather they’d avoided him. The familiar pull of the disfiguring scar on his cheek as he curled his lip was a stark reminder why.
“Mauree has a vendetta against me. I wouldn’t put it past her to take this opportunity to attack me where it would hurt the most.”
Saar straightened and raised his chin. “I will notify the warriors. Melissa, Anlon, and anyone else will be well protected.” Including you…
Noeh’s alert gaze focused on Saar. “I have no doubt of your conviction. Ensure that it is so.”
Saar bowed low before his king. “As you wish, Your Majesty.”
CHAPTER 34
M auree closed her eyes and leaned her head against the chaise lounge’s soft cushion. After breakfast, she’d come out on the master bedroom’s deck to relax. Smiling, she pushed up the sleeves on her robe and let the warmth of the late winter sun heat her arms. I could get used to this. So far, switching sides in this war had been the best move she’d ever made.
She trailed her palm over the robe’s soft fabric until her fingers ran across the lump in her pocket. Ah, the blue sunstone.
She peeked through her lashes at her first lieutenant. Jakar sat in one of the patio deck chairs, elbows on his knees, head in his hands. His intense gaze focused on the training exercises on the massive home’s lawn. Loud voices, grunts, and battle cries bubbled from the activity below.
Suddenly, he stood. He gripped the deck railing and his fingers tightened over the wood. “Hey! No claws!”
Mauree slid off the soft cushion and padded over to him in her bare feet. Her soldiers fought in pairs on the mock battlefield—Ursus versus Gossum—learning each other’s strengths and weaknesses, preparing for the upcoming battle.
A rush of adrenaline left her breathless, and she patted her chest. “What’s your assessment?”
“The Ursus resist our training protocols.” Jakar peered at her, then returned his attention to the field. “I wish you hadn’t killed their leader.”
Mauree clenched her jaw, and a sharp pain radiated from the joint. “I don’t regret what I did. Besides, the Ursus will come around.”
Jakar’s gaze tracked down her body. “What are your plans?”
A sour taste filled her mouth and she curled her lip. “The spring equinox is tonight along with the Ostrum ceremony. At nightfall, Roan’s Rock will be the center of a large celebration. The Stiyaha believe it is good luck to worship Alora on this night, pray for her support, and receive encouragement in this war.”
Jakar smiled, revealing his serrated teeth. “You wish to attack during the ceremony. Good choice.”
Mauree fisted her hand. “Not only will the warriors be there, but many of the merchants and civilians as well. This is my best chance to get revenge on Noeh—take out the ones he cares about, prey on the innocent.”
“…and I thought Ram had a black soul. You, my dear, are evil to the core.”
I suppose I am. Her heart hardened, and she slapped her palm against the railing. “Noeh humiliated me in front of the entire Keep by selecting Melissa as his queen. He will pay.”
“I shall prepare the soldiers.” He bowed, his black gaze never leaving her face. The edge of his lip curled into an odd grin. “Is there anything you need?”
Mauree watched the warriors on the training field. Theron, the male that had almost challenged her lobbed a make-shift mace at a nearby Gossum. The creature spun out of the way, but not before the wooden prop beaned him on the head. Theron spread his stance, ready for another blow, the mace dangling from the chain.
The way his muscles bunched beneath his tight shirt sent a shiver over Mauree’s arms. Her fingers tingled, and she had the sudden urge to run her hands over those smooth shoulders. She glanced at Jakar. “Send Theron to me.”
Jakar’s lips tightened. “As you wish.” As he left, his long strides shook the deck with each step.
Mauree smiled and returned her attention to the training session. One female Ursus stood out, the one with the long black braid. She raised her mace and attacked, the force of her blows raining down on her opponent. Her features were drawn, her mouth set in a thin line. Mauree had killed her parents—the Ursus leaders. Her skin prickled. She’d have to watch this female.
