by Rosalie Redd
She squirmed under his onslaught. Her hands strained against his shirt, his pecs rock hard through the thin fabric.
“I saved you when you were human. You owe me. Why do you resist?”
With the bitter tang of disgust in her mouth, she turned her face away from him.
“I could force you. Would you like that?” He gripped her arms and shook her.
Her pulse raced.
“Answer me!” His yell echoed in the kitchen, the sound ringing in Melissa’s mind.
“I-I-please—” She struggled, not wanting to put him into a full-blown rage.
He bared his fangs in a show of dominance.
His display of authority lit her hatred, and a knot formed in her stomach. Fear and anger battled within, but anger won out. Words escaped her mouth before she could think better of it. “I despise you. I could never be your concubine.”
Demir winced, and she caught the pained expression in his eyes. His downturned mouth indicated the depth of anguish he carried for his lost Eleanor.
“You remind me so much of her. Don’t you understand?” He pulled back but didn’t release her from his grasp. From her hair to her eyes to her mouth, he studied every detail of her face.
She cringed at the sadness in his eyes, and her anger evaporated.
A low growl echoed in the room, and the hair on Melissa’s arms stood on end. Over Demir’s shoulder the outline of a large male Stiyaha was backlit from the light shining in from the corridor. Noeh!
Demir released his hold on Melissa and peered behind him. A snarl pulled at the corner of his mouth.
Noeh lunged at Demir, grabbing him from behind and throwing him across the room. Demir crashed into the cupboards, pots and pans of all sizes raining down on him.
Noeh rushed toward Melissa, his gaze tracing over her body, as if looking for any signs of injury. He pulled her close and stared into her eyes. Relief emanated from his body in waves. His protectiveness sent a shiver of delight into her chest.
A snarl emitted from across the room. Noeh tensed, his grip around Melissa tightening to the point she couldn’t breathe.
Demir had transformed into his beast form, a large black panther. His eyes glowed a fluorescent shade of yellow. He jumped onto the countertop, baring his sharp teeth.
Noeh released her and turned to face the large cat. He pulled his sword out of its sheath, slow and steady, liked a skilled warrior. Screeee. The blade let out a shrill cry.
Using her skill as a dancer, Melissa slipped around Noeh and placed herself between the two males. Anxiety shot through her heart. “No, stop!”
A low growl rumbled from Noeh’s throat. He lunged forward to pull her out of the way.
“Noeh, stop, please.” With slow, cautious steps, she circled the middle of the room, doing her best to keep the two males from fighting.
Noeh stilled, and his eyes widened. He took a step back and lowered his sword.
Demir remained on the counter, his body tense, as if ready to attack.
“Demir, please don’t,” she whispered, trying to sooth his ego.
Snarling, he jumped to the ground. He paced in a circle several times before changing back into a man, his clothes as smooth as if he’d never transformed.
“You can’t protect her forever, Stiyaha.” Demir glanced between Noeh and Melissa. His nose wrinkled in disgust as he strutted out the door.
Melissa caught Noeh’s look, and her face flushed. His timing was uncanny.
A short tremor ripped through the Keep, unbalancing her. She tried to steady herself, but instead, tumbled forward into a pair of warm arms. Her skin, ultra-sensitive to his touch, sizzled at the connection. Ignoring the warning bells that were going off in her head, she placed her hands on his biceps. His hard muscles flexed beneath his skin, sending shivers of excitement into her core.
She stared into his captivating eyes where the gold flecks solidified into soft amber. His firm, full mouth accentuated his handsome face. She wanted to taste those lips, to see if they were as delicious as they seemed. Heat raced up her neck and into her cheeks. She stepped back, her head bowed.
“Are you ok?” Noeh stroked her elbow.
His concern touched her heart, making her wish she could be with him.
“Thank you. I’m fine now. How—how did you find me?”
“I returned to my chamber after my workout. When I checked on you, you were gone. I pulled energy from the sunstones, and the Keep showed me your path. You weren’t hard to find.”
“I don’t know what would have happened had you not shown up when you did.”
“He threatened you. I should’ve killed him.”
Noeh’s abrupt comment and flat tone left no room for question. A thrill ran over Melissa’s skin at the thought of this male protecting her. Still, she countered. “He was rough, but he wouldn’t have hurt me, not physically, anyway.”
“I failed to protect you. That won’t happen again. I’m installing a lock on your door.”
“What? No!”
“You leave me little choice.” Tall and formidable, Noeh overshadowed her as he stood his ground. His grim resolve was set in his pursed lips and furrowed brow. “You left your room, and look what happened. I’m going to start calling you trouble, for it follows you everywhere.”
She glared at him. “You can’t keep me locked up. It’s not right.”
“Want to bet?” He approached her, determination forming in the creases around his eyes.
“You…you…” Her anger at all that had happened to her over the past few weeks erupted within her. She launched herself at him, pummeling her fists against his chest.
He grabbed her by the arms and pulled her close. Her body molded against his. Fast, heated breaths flew hard and fast from her mouth.
“Why did you come down here?”
She struggled against him, her anger still burning, still hot from her tantrum.
“I was hungry. I didn’t get anything to eat at the feast.” Her body reacted to his closeness, and moistness dampened her panties.
“I smell apples on your breath. What did you eat?”
She stilled. By his narrowed gaze and taut mouth, she didn’t need to provide an answer.
“Don’t tell me, you ate my tart.” He let go of her hands and marched over to the Keep’s cold storage vault.
He didn’t speak but stared into the depths of the stone cavity. Closing his eyes, he shook his head. His features were a mask, except for the slight lift that appeared at the corner of his mouth. A low laugh erupted from his throat. The sound built, growing louder in the room, bouncing off the walls and cupboards.
“You’re a brave one, aren’t you?” The amber in his eyes swirled, mixing with the blue.
Her chest lightened at his comment. A giggle escaped her lips. “Like I said, I was hungry.”
“Come, now. We both know you did that on purpose. Do you always provoke the males?”
“Not unless they deserve it.” The ease in his manner had made her drop her protective barrier. She didn’t mean to say those words. They slipped out.
“I suppose I fall into that category. Forgive me.” His eyes focused on something over her shoulder.
Melissa turned to look. There was nothing but the empty room and the opening to the corridor.
“We should go.” He pointed to the exit, his mask of control back in place.
It was pointless to argue with him, she could see that in the drawn lines in his face. She pursed her lips and headed back to her room.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Sheltered within a tall Rolmdew tree, Alora stared out the open window of her small bungalow. A fly darted across the leaves of a nearby Tralum plant, catching her attention. The strong perfume from the plant’s vibrant blue flowers was an attractive allure, and the fly took the bait, landing on the center pistil. A venomous webbing discharged around the doomed creature. The fly struggled in vain, and the seductive petals closed around the plant’s prey. The Tralum plant
would dine well tonight. A small smile pulled at Alora’s mouth. Well done.
The fading light from the setting sun cast a palette of purple and green across the darkening sky. A longing in her gut made her wince. Ever since she’d been sanctioned by the council for helping her children on colony Earth, sunrise and sunset was all she ever saw of the sun. Even now, over five hundred Earth years later, the painful memory still made her chest constrict.
“Alora, Zedron has filed deception charges against you. What do you plead?” Radnor’s voice echoed against the council chamber walls.
Heat rose up Alora’s neck and over her face. She couldn’t maintain eye contact with the council leader. A Dogo bug crawled between the floor slats and disappeared into the giant Etila tree. She wanted to follow the small creature. Veromé squeezed her hand and his presence helped ease the ache in her chest.
“Well?” Radnor asked.
She raised her head and glared at Zedron. Bile rose in her throat. “I abstain.”
“That is not an option.” Radnor curled his lip.
Alora flinched. She didn’t want to lie and risk Radnor’s wrath, but she couldn’t bring herself to admit her guilt. She’d done the unthinkable and broken the most sacred rule—non-interference.
“I had no choice, Councilor Radnor. My children would’ve died without my help.” She blurted the words out, hoping the council would offer her some leniency.
Zedron’s smile just about broke her. “Councilor Radnor, the proof I brought, along with her own testimony, requires a harsh punishment.”
Veromé stepped forward. “Radnor, I respectfully ask for a pardon. My mate meant only to protect, not to change the outcome of the war.”
Veromé’s attempt to assist Alora melted her heart. She loved her mate, but his gesture wouldn’t be enough.
“Zedron claims you used a potion to heal your children. He brought this vial as proof.” Radnor held up a small glass tube. “You don’t deny his claim yet offer an explanation instead?” He smacked his hands against the fine grain of the table and stood. His arms shook from the effort. “I find you in violation of the laws. You will be sanctioned—”
“Zedron cheated, I know it.” Alora balled her hands into fists and her body shook.
“Do you have proof of such an accusation?” Radnor asked.
“No—but I used my potion to halt the virus he created.”
“Stop.” Radnor’s voice boomed across the room.
Alora bowed her head. Veromé enveloped her with his strong arms as they awaited the sentence.
“You broke our most sacred rule. Your actions will not be tolerated. As council leader, I sanction you to a world of darkness. You will not see the sun again, until the war over this planet is finished. As you pay the price, so shall your characters on Earth. They will no longer be able to bear the rays of the sun.”
“No, please.” Alora pressed further into Veromé’s embrace.
“Veromé, since you knew of this deception, you will also be sanctioned. You will occupy the world of the sun, never to see the night. This punishment will allow you to only see each other at sunrise and sunset.”
Radnor picked up the sentencing stone and rapped the rock against the table. As Alora faded into the darkness, her last vision was a glimpse of Zedron and his wicked smile.
Alora gnawed on the end of her fingernail, the familiar routine giving her a tiny measure of peace.
“What trouble are you brewing up, my love?” Veromé placed his arms around Alora’s waist.
Warmth spread along her arms and staved off the chill coming in through the open window. His presence pulled her from her reverie, and she sighed. She held on to him, cherishing the few minutes they had together before the last rays of the setting sun disappeared.
“Tell me.” He kissed the back of her neck, and her skin tingled.
“Noeh and Melissa—they resist their attraction to each other.”
Veromé stiffened. “Stay out of it.”
She patted Veromé on the arm, breaking their embrace and walked over to the table. “They are so cute together, don’t you think?”
“I don’t want to waste our time together on trivial matters.” He stalked after her, his words clipped, his tone dismissive.
She smoothed the soft fabric of her white dress, delighted in the way the material accentuated her breasts and hugged her backside. She was sure Veromé would notice.
“It won’t take much to bring them together. Maybe some ‘love dust’ in some perfume for Melissa.” Her gaze darted back to the Tralum plant. At least the plant knew how to entice and capture its prey.
“You know our first guardian rule—free will. They must choose on their own if they are to be together.” He crossed his arms over his chest, his lips pressed together in a firm line. “So far, we haven’t helped them in any tangible way. But if you do this, you will cross the line.”
Alora burst out laughing and covered her mouth, her giggles audible through her fingers. “You’re so charming when frustrated.” She shook her head, conceding his point. “It is important, though, for their child to be born.”
“If not Noeh’s child, then the babe will be someone else’s.”
“Yes, but you know as well as I do—Noeh’s child will be special.” Alora stomped her foot, her own frustration getting the better of her.
“Free will, free will.” The skin around Veromé’s eyes softened.
“Yes, and that’s what started the mess with the Panthera and the Dren.”
“We didn’t know Demir would create the Dren. I know the slavery bothers you. Remember, though, karma goes along with free will.” His gaze traveled down her body.
“Then I don’t pity Demir, may he suffer the consequences.”
“Come here, my love, we don't have much time left.” Veromé held out his arms in invitation.
Alora walked into his embrace and burrowed herself into his chest. His fragrance reminded her of ocean shores, salty and fresh. Veromé rubbed her back, and his strong hands eased the tension from her weary bones.
“I shall miss you until the dawn, my love,” she said.
“And I, you.”
Veromé cupped Alora’s face in his hands. He stared into her eyes and kissed her one last time. The final rays of the sun disappeared, the moon took control of the night, and Veromé faded away.
*****
Noeh crouched down behind a small boulder covered in moss. There was no breeze tonight, and the stars winked through the canopy of treetops above. The last tendrils of steam swirled around the thick ferns lining the forest floor before dissipating into the night air. The portal closed, leaving an odd band of ten Stiyaha warriors and five Panthera in the dense woods not far from the old asylum. The silent group spread out among the trees and awaited orders, ready to put an end to Ram’s havoc.
Noeh gripped the hilt of his sword, his fingers ached from the exertion. His ring tapped against the sunstones encasing the hilt, the slight sound a comfort to his heightened nerves. His body shook, ready for battle. He placed his other hand against the bark of an old cedar tree, the smell reminding him of his father. The old king had been a formidable warrior, but he lacked diplomacy. Given how Noeh had handled Demir so far, he wasn’t sure he was any better.
“Well? We going in or not?” Demir raised an eyebrow.
The Panthera leader had wanted to join the hunt, along with the best fighters from his Pride. Noeh didn’t like the idea but had relented. He couldn’t think of an excuse to leave them behind without causing a major rift or leaving Melissa unprotected. Given the tension between them, he didn’t need that particular headache.
“We assess the situation first. Then determine the best course of action.” Noeh’s inner beast growled, wanting to fight Demir as much as he wanted to fight the Gossum. He motioned for Saar to get a closer look.
His Commander of Arms slipped into the bushes without a sound.
Noeh’s ear itched, and he rubbed at it. The uncomfortab
le irritation had bothered him for a few days, but it was more of an annoyance than anything else. He shook his head and focused on the building in front of him. The asylum stood like an old derelict dreaming of its glory days. Moss covered much of the brick. Broken windows added to the appearance of death and decay that permeated the place. He searched for any sign of life, but all seemed quiet.
Saar returned and held up a dried Gossum skin. The thin membrane crumbled under his clenched fist. A bitter tang wafted into the air. “They came back. Stupid Gossum.” He threw the foul husk to the ground. He stiffened, his muscles bulging beneath his tunic. “Listen. I hear movement, somewhere on the second floor.”
Noeh strained to hear any sound from the old building. He focused his attention on the upper level. In the distance, the soft sound of running feet crept into his ear. “Send a couple of warriors around back to block any retreat. The rest of us will enter from the front.”
Saar pointed to two males. “Caleb, Jade, head out.” Caleb, an old fighter with haunted eyes, wore a silver necklace around his throat in tribute to his lost qithan, the female he would’ve bonded to had she survived the scourge. Jade, angry and full of himself, had short auburn hair tied back with a gray bandana. He had already drawn his sword, his eager, battle-ready gaze focused on the asylum. They left without a sound.
Noeh searched the nearby shrubs, looking for Demir and his pride of Panthera. His stomach knotted. He already regretted his decision to let them come along.
“I’m here, Stiyaha. Ready whenever you are.” Demir crouched among the ferns, a tic pulsing in his jaw.
“We attack once my warriors are in place.” Noeh swallowed, the taste of bile bitter on his tongue.
Demir stood. He glanced from one Pride member to another. “We can’t wait any longer. Let’s go.” He jumped to his feet and shifted, mid-air, into his panther. His sleek fur glistened in the light from the waning crescent moon.
“Wait!” Noeh wasn’t fast enough to stop them.
Demir landed on the ground and ran toward the asylum. Aramie and the other Panthera emerged from the bushes in hot pursuit.
