by C. M. Steele
“Sorry, we don’t. I didn’t know witches were a real thing,” Kane said.
“A dark wizard is the reason many of my people were forced into a perpetual state of darkness. They avoid us for that very reason,” I told them. They didn’t have many of the answers we needed, but they gave us the crucial one. Stavros was a mixed breed—a hybrid.
“Maybe we could ask Creed. He might know something.”
“Creed?” Nora asked.
“Yes, my uncle and the former head librarian,” Kane informed us. “He knows more than the books we have on the shelves. Hopefully, he can provide a little more insight.
“That would be great. I can leave you my information to contact my General or myself.”
“I’ll definitely get to it once I return back to Redding,” Kane replied. “Remind me, love.”
“Of course,” she said, kissing his cheek. He turned and stole a quick kiss in front of all us. No one seemed to be shocked by it which meant they were used to displays of affection from them.
“It’s a start to the answers we need. It makes sense to me now. I had a feeling but needed some sort of validation. Is there anything you can tell us about your abilities?”
“Nope,” Kane and Hunter barked out simultaneously, shaking their heads with vigor.
Nora put her hand over mine, giving it a squeeze after noticing that I had them balled up at my sides. I looked at her and immediately calmed down. They had the right to question how much they could trust me. “This is about life and death of the world. You may not want to get involved, but Stavros won’t care if he wins.”
“I understand, but most us are strong and fast and can shift. That’s it. He’s different than us. He’s got your abilities. And obviously, he’s got your immortality.”
“Not once I get my hands on him,” I promised, my teeth clenched with rage.
“Thank you for your time and information,” Nora said to the shifters. She stood up. “We’ll leave you to your day.”
“Yes, thank you for everything,” I acknowledged their scraps of generosity.
“Wait. I want you to know. That worst-case scenario, we’ll throw our hats in. I know it’s not saying much, but with all that’s going on, he may just come after Charles and Evelyn. My wife doesn’t want that,” Kane added.
“I’m with you as well. My family’s life and those around us will depend on Stavros’s downfall,” Hunter spoke. “As the Alpha of my pack, I pledge our allegiance. Again, if only things get to the breaking point. I will not have my people risk their lives for nothing.”
“I understand, and I appreciate your willingness to assist. This is important to all of us. We need to be diligent. And if I were you, I’d watch out. They are recruiting humans.”
“Humans? Why? Immortality?” Hunter asked.
“That’s their promise,” I answered, blowing out a hard breath. Nora held my hand, rubbing her thumb across my pulse. It was soothing, but it made me long for more. I had to get out of here soon, so I could take my lovely mate.
“You don’t believe it?” Kane inquired; his brow was arched and his face curious.
“It’s not possible. There’s no turning anyone but your mate,” I told them.
Catherine blurted out, “It’s a great way to prevent overpopulation.”
“Yes, it is. These people are very unaware of Stavros sending them to die for nothing. There will be no glory or eternity for them.”
“That is true. I don’t care for killing humans, but should it come to that we will,” Kane said.
I nodded, then stood. With all my tension, I had to get my wife alone and naked.
I could see something happening between Catherine and Hunter. It was if they were able to talk to each other like we were. “If you need a hotel room to stay in, we have one available,” Hunter offered, winking at me.
“Thank you. My wife and I will be returning home.”
“That’s fine. Sorry, I thought you both looked like you wanted to nap,” Catherine murmured. “With all this talk about dying and fighting, I’m anxious to celebrate life. Hunter, are you ready for a nap?”
“Always, my love,” he said, lifting her hand to his mouth and kissed it. I saw the love and desire between these couples. A feeling of trust came over me. I had no doubt that they were on the side of good. I already looked into them via the internet, but it was mostly what the town was about. It was clear that they tried to keep their identity a secret. They seemed to live a clean life. I know they had a hiccup with one of their own not too long ago, but we all have one of those.
“Well, now that everyone is in the mating spirit, we have to go.” All the women turned beet red but didn’t stop clinging to their mates. I waved them off and headed out of the conference room.
As soon as we made our way out of the hotel and into the woods, I wrapped my arms around Nora and we were back on the island fortress. We entered Speranza’s room and checked in on her. She was sleeping in her crib with Charlotte who had Marco sleeping in her arms.
“How did it go?” she whispered, standing up out of the rocking chair without waking her son.
“It went better than I expected. We learned that Stavros is indeed more than likely a hybrid of sorts. The information doesn’t give us more details, but from what we gathered it was extremely possible that he is able to shift.”
“Well, that would tell us a good deal. Did you learn anything else?”
“Nothing worth anything. They’re going to see if another elder knows anything they didn’t, but there’s no guarantee in that either. How was our little girl?”
“You were gone like an hour. She just fell asleep about ten minutes ago. Go rest. I’m going to lay Marco down. I need a nap too.” She walked out of the room, her large son sleeping undisturbed. Then I turned my attention to my mate. It had only been hours, but I craved her again.
Chapter 13
Stavros
I stared at the phone until the ringing ended, knowing somehow that the news wouldn’t be pleasing. Falcon didn’t just drop dead. Was that too much to ask for? The fucker strived even more since he found his mate. I had to get a hold of his daughter and destroy her, crushing Falcon and his mate in the process. The thought of tearing her little heart out of her brand-new body turned me on. My wife would be thoroughly pleased today. Too bad she never gave me a daughter—or any child for that matter.
I wouldn’t let my world crumble because of this child. Then I’ll go after her mother, Leonora. I hated her from the moment I learned of her existence. Falcon shouldn’t have had a mate ever. He should have been dead, but he was gifted. He came off pompous and too good, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. He was weak. I was meant for greatness.
The line rang again, furious with the constant interruption of my thoughts, I roared, “What the fuck do you want?”
One of my American vampires stammered, “They have been dealing with the wolf shifters out in the northwest.”
“Are you sure?” I ask him. A chill ran down my spine. What did they want with the wolf shifters? Were they onto me or were they looking for allies?
“Yes, one of our humans on the ground saw Lombardi and his mate at Wolfe’s Den. It’s their hotel.”
“They could have been looking for a place to stay since I burned down their home.”
“Maybe, but they were with an entire pack of wolves going into a private room. No sounds could be heard from there, but the conversation didn’t last long.”
A violent rage came over me. I ended the call without another word. As much as I would prefer to use them in my war, the wolves had to die. They couldn’t handle more than a few of us at a time. Striking all at once would be the plan. I want to rip all of their heads off myself, but I’d leave the dirty work for them. As a king among the best of the best, I shouldn’t have to battle anyone. It was beneath me. I ran my hands through my unruly hair, wondering how to go about my attack.
My phone rang again. This time De Rosa’s name cam
e up on the screen. I sat back in my seat, thinking these rat bastards needed to go as well. They were too two-faced to live. They were after the same thing I wanted. And that wouldn’t do one bit. Foolish greedy traitors.
I have a plan for them in due time.
“What is it?” I snapped over the line.
“We’re ready to attack the island,” he told me. I didn’t recall asking if they were ready to strike. They were eager for revenge on Lombardi for being the ruler and not them. What the fuck made them think that I would be any different. They were leeches and I wanted to drain them dry myself.
“Well, I don’t want to strike just yet. I have plans that much I can tell you. Leave that to me. Have you found the one I’m looking for?”
“No, I haven’t yet. He seems to be a ghost.” These bastards were pathetic. How could they not find one single vampire? Follow the trail of missing people in large numbers and there he would be.
“He’s no more a ghost than you or me. He’s out there living the life of a vagabond, draining people dry any chance he gets. Find him. I need his resources again.” He did me that favor back in the late eighteen hundreds, disposing of those who were aware of my family line and secrets.
“I’ll get on it.”
“You should have already been. If I find him first there will be hell to pay, DeRosa,” I threatened.
“Yes, sir.”
“Good.” I hung up because I didn’t need him to start kissing my ass.
Chapter 14
Leonora
“He’s awake,” Gideon said, coming into the library where all of us got together. It’s been over a week since the births and Thor’s transformation. Falcon wrapped his arm around my waist and we teleported to the medical room. The rest followed suit, stepping in behind us as we looked at the bed. Thor groggily groaned out, turning his head to us.
“Nora,” he croaked, his honey-colored eyes were soft.
“Thor,” I called out, walking up to him. He reached out lightly to me. I took his hand and he turned my hand, bringing it to his lips, kissing the back of my hand. Falcon grumbled behind me. I could feel that he was extremely weak. His hold had been gentle and shaky.
“Let her hand go now.” He let it go, bowing his head to Falcon.
“Who are you?” Falcon asked, his voice tight, gruff and annoyed. My beast will always be jealous despite the reality and permanence of our connection. It was ridiculous, but I love it.
“Nooorra,” he slurred.
“Falcon, he needs to eat. He’s drained,” I told Falcon, stepping back and letting him examine Thor.
After a moment, Falcon turned to Draco and asked, “Fine, Draco can you get him something to eat?”
“Sure thing. I’ll be back shortly. Come on, love.” He teleported out of the room with Charlotte in his arms. She’s the one who will be getting the food together. Thor looked at us, but every time he tried to speak his voice croaked.
Draco brought him his food. The way he ate left much to be desired, but I guess when you’ve been a dog for a long time eating properly just didn’t work so well. Immediately, I thought of Beauty and the Beast. Falcon heard my mental laugh and shook his head at me. “Thor, rest and eat your food. We’ll visit you in the morning,” Falcon said, after checking his vitals again.
“What are you thinking?” I asked him as we got ready to sleep.
“I’m just curious. What questions can he answer for us? What help can he be? Aren’t you anxious to know what this means for our daughter and the possible connection?” he said, taking off his clothes. God, his chest looked so good. I wasn’t thinking about our daughter at all. Rather, what he could do to make me scream all night.
“I am, but now is not the time. We can grill him tomorrow. I want to rest with my king,” I said, suggestively running my hand down my cleavage.
He smiled, catching my meaning. “How terrible of me to leave you longing, my Queen.” He attacked my mouth, kissing me with such passion that all thoughts of Thor and Speranza were forgotten for the night.
~~~~
We entered Thor’s room as soon as we all dined. He sat up with a book in his hand. I can see his color improving. “Good morning, Thor. Can you speak?”
“Not Thor…Name William,” he barked out. His voice sounded hoarse and scratchy.
“Your name is William?” Falcon asked. William nodded his head. Thor must have been the name his last owners gave him.
“I think he needs some tea for his throat. It’s got to heal, Falcon. He’s been a dog for god knows how long. The vocal cords have to reform properly.”
“I believe you are right,” Falcon acknowledged. “I must go to the castle this morning. When I return, hopefully you’ll be able to speak a little more.” William nodded in agreement.
I stepped up to him, taking his hand which infuriated Falcon, but I am the Queen and it was my duty to my people to be kind and strong. “I’ll have Mary bring you some tea and honey. It’s a human way of easing a sore throat,” I informed him.
He bowed on the bed towards us and kissed the back of my hand. Falcon growled again. We teleported out of the room. I had to work in the lab, but I wanted to take Speranza with me. We have security in our bedchambers, but I am not as fast as Falcon. Should by some chance, someone attacks I won’t be able to get to her on time.
“Falcon before you go, you must learn to control your jealousy. With humans who aren’t restricted to one mate, I can understand the need for territoriality, but with our own kind, it’s unnecessary. His reverence should be seen as a sign of respect.”
“You are right, my Queen, but we don’t know what he is. He could want you and wish to overthrow me to have you. Haven’t you read Hamlet before?”
“You are comparing our world of paranormal monsters to a fictional monarchy?” I asked him. I could see where he was going with this line of thinking, but humans were different. I know, I used to be one.
Falcon kissed me hard before walking over to Speranza’s cradle. “Yes, it holds bearing my dear. Remember, Stavros killed his own parents in an attempt to seize control over the entire world.” He carried our girl to where I sat on the rocking chair which I fell in love with from the moment I saw it in the store.
I extended my arms out for my little sweet baby. He handed over the princess for me to feed, then I replied, “Yes, I suppose you’re right, my King. We will take it as is for the time being. I trust Charlotte and she believes in William’s goodness.”
“Very well. I am going to shower.” I twisted my lips in a devilish smirk, adding, “Enjoy.” He shook his head, adjusted his cock, then entered the bathroom.
Once Speranza finished nursing, I changed her and nestled her into her carrier. Falcon came out looking like a million bucks in his suit. It was a grey perfectly tailored pin-striped suit with a black dress shirt. He didn’t have a tie on, so the top button was open, revealing his thick neck. Damn, I wanted to strip him.
He growled, sensing my need. “Let us get you set up in the lab so Draco and I can visit the castle and the soldiers.” He wrapped his arm around me and held the carrier in his other arm, then whispered, “And then I’m going to fuck you hard like you need, my Queen.” I couldn’t wait for him to return.
Chapter 15
Falcon
Draco and I had to check on the castle and the men. Their spirits were looking up and the castle started to look as it did before. The surrounding area had been outfitted with new sensors. We examined the changes and the structural integrity of the building. My men were pleased to serve us. Upon departing, I addressed the masses,
“Thank you all for the hard work you have done. Without all of you, we would not be able to defeat the Lamia. You have done your best and I wish you all peace and rest. Soon the war will be over. Centuries of fear and dread will be behind us. As we look forward, I must ask that you remain loyal to us as we remain loyal to you. As one, we can end this. Stay strong and remember that my mother’s prophecy is coming to fruition. I
must return to my family and keep them safe. Thank you.” My people cheered.
“Hail the King and Queen!”
“King Lombardi!”
“Thank you,” I replied one last time before teleporting. Another week and my family would be able to return to our people.
After returning home, I hunted down my wife in her lab. Speranza lay sleeping in her bouncer while Nora worked. She looked completely frustrated, but I planned to fix that. I picked up my baby girl, holding her tight and breathing in her sweet baby smell before holding out a hand for my wife. “Time for a break, my loving Nora.”
Swiftly, I set down my sleeping princess into her cradle before tending to my mate. Undressing and carrying her to our bed, I claimed her body and soul. Our passion was hard and fast until we were both falling to the bed satiated and well loved.
My phone rang; I reached for it, grumbling in the process. I’d much rather stay in her arms. “What’s going on, Gideon?” I hoped to high hell that we weren’t going into battle right now.
“William is pacing.”
“I’m on my way.” We kept the door locked from the inside out and cameras were added to the room after he shifted. Can’t trust what we don’t know. And my family’s safety overruled courtesy.
“I have to deal with William.” Obviously, he was stressing about something. He had some questions to answer for me and I had a feeling that I wouldn’t like some of his answers.
“What are you going to do?” she asked, tilting her head already assuming the worst.
“I’m going to talk to him.” I tossed my arms up.
“I’m coming with,” she stated, jumping off the bed and dressing faster than I’d ever seen before. Was she getting faster? That would be interesting. Then again nothing about her surprised me anymore.
“I have a feeling that you’re not going to listen anyway, so come along. Speranza will be fine right here,” I said, pulling her into my arms and kissing her senseless.
