by Julia Mills
Desperate to know what she was feeling, he reached through their growing mating bond, only to be smacked in the face with so many emotions and feelings that it took him a minute just to recognize them all. Kyra was swamped with confusion, frustration, anger, disbelief, and a pain that forced the air from his lungs. Just as he was about to pull back, he felt a little touch of hope. It was like a light in the darkness, and right behind that beautiful, warm, glowing light, was the tiniest spark of love. Just enough to let him know there was a chance. A chance that she would forgive him, a chance that she could truly love him, and a chance that the tiny little spark he saw burning deep inside her heart could be stoked and fed until it was a blaze that could not be contained. That was his deepest desire for them and he hoped with all he was that he could make her believe in the possibility of their future as much as he did.
“I know you’ve been told what happened in my past.” She nodded and he saw pity in her eyes, pity that he did not deserve.
“Don’t feel sorry for me. It was a long time ago and absolutely no excuse for what I said or how I ran away from you that beautiful morning on the ridge. It happened and I refused to deal with it until now. When faced with the prospect of letting go of my hate and anger, I somehow thought that would also make me give up the memories of my mother. I was wrong…dead wrong. I now have it on good authority that all the great things about her will be with me forever. But that does nothing to change the fact that I hurt you.”
He cleared his throat and looked away, needing to find a little balance. In the split second it took him to glance out the window and back to his mate, something became crystal clear…she was his balance. She was the one person in existence that could make him feel right, whole…complete. She was all he would ever need. All he had to do was make her believe that he could be the same thing for her.
CHAPTER SIX
Hours later, after Royce left, Kyra grabbed a bottle of wine and a glass and made a beeline for the patio. The sunset, cool breeze, and quiet, was just what she needed after that afternoon. It hadn’t been bad really, just filled with so much inner turmoil that she needed to get away from herself. She knew she hadn’t given him the answers he was looking for and part of her really, really wanted to. The thought of running into his arms, forgetting all the bad shit and riding off into the sunset had been her go-to thought the entire time they talked. But Kyra lived in the real world and knew that they had issues that had to be resolved before she could ever trust that he wouldn’t simply change his mind again and leave her a crazy mess of heartbroken witch. There was no way she would survive that again, especially if she let her old friend Hope have a foothold in her heart.
She chuckled at her own dramatic flair and took a long sip of her wine. The sigh that followed came from somewhere deep in her soul and personified everything she was feeling. Her head fell back, her eyes closed, and for a few minutes, all the worries of the world washed away. A cool breeze blew and the crickets chirped, it was paradise, and then her cell phone rang, shattering her momentary serenity. An unfamiliar number flashed across the screen and she hesitated to answer. The phone ceased its clatter, the silence in the absence of the song “Everything She Does Is Magic” almost deafening. She had made that tune her ring tone so many years ago she no longer remembered the reason for it, but nonetheless, had never changed it.
Maybe it was because I had a mad crush on Sting, she giggled to herself, and then almost dropped her glass of wine when it rang again, same number flashing across the screen. This time she answered right away, “Hello?”
“Kyra, honey, is that you?” The voice, a blast from the past, asked.
“Yes, Auntie Della, it’s me,” was all she could get out, so shocked that the oldest of her mother’s true sisters was reaching out to her.
“It is so good to finally hear your voice, Little One.” She smiled, remembering the thousands of times she had asked her auntie to stop calling her that and was surprised at the comfort it gave her now.
“Yours too, Auntie,” she said as she pictured the round-faced, cherub of a woman that had been her only confidant during her horrible teenage years. Kyra remembered how her watery, light blue eyes would shine with understanding when Calysta had done one thing or another to piss off her only daughter. As the years came and went, it was always Auntie Della that was there with a kind word, sage advice, and a hug. She could have very well been the Grand Priestess, her powers were stronger and better practiced than Calysta’s, but that had not been her dream. Della took pride in training and nurturing the young, so early in life, the sisters had made a pact to stand together and carry out their individual duties to the best of their abilities for the good of the coven. and that stood all these many years later. But it did not stop the elder witch from having her niece’s back whenever necessary. Kyra knew her well enough, even after all the years they had been separated, to know something was wrong from the tone of her voice.
“What’s wrong?” Kyra asked, dispensing with pleasantries.
Her aunt paused and tension poured through the line, “Have you seen your mother?”
“Yes, she was here earlier today,” Kyra answered, her suspicions rising. “Why do you ask?”
“Oh dear, Little One, I’m sorry. I was hoping to at least give you warning. I only just learned that she had gotten word from the dragons that you were with them.”
Unable to contain her shock, Kyra practically yelled, “She WHAT?! What the hell?! From WHO?!” If Royce had anything to do with the impromptu visit from her mother, she would be a widow before she was even a wife.
“Calm yourself, how many times have I told you I do not like that language?” Ever the model of decorum, a throwback to her true generation, her aunt scolded.
Two deep breaths later, Kyra still saw red, but apologized all the same, “Sorry, Auntie Della. It’s just that her visit was…well…”
“I can only imagine, sweetheart and I am so sorry. If only I could have warned you.”
“It doesn’t matter now, what’s done is done,” Kyra said, still trying to calm down. “But I really need to know who contacted Mother, please, Auntie.”
“Let me find the letter.” Kyra heard the sound of papers being shuffled as her aunt mumbled about messes.
Several tense seconds later, Della came back on the line, “The letter is signed Elder Rian A. O’Reilly, Blue Thunder Clan. But are you not mated to a Golden Fire shifter, dear heart?”
Her blood boiled with the need to kick a certain pompous, arrogant, dragon man’s ass, but she vowed to contain her fury until she could get her aunt off the phone. “Long story, Auntie. I’m not mated to anyone yet, and as it stands, I may never be.”
“That will not do, Little One. You need your mate, just like the flowers need the rain.”
She could feel one of Della’s philosophical rants coming on, and as much as she had missed her aunt and wanted to reconnect, the only thing that mattered in that second was finding Rian and putting her size five boot squarely up his ass. Using the voice that had gotten her out of more trouble than she could even remember, she said the one thing she knew her aunt longed to hear, “I know you’re right, Auntie. I’ll do whatever it takes to be the dutiful mate and you must come to the mating ceremony as soon as the details are set.”
Thankfully, her aunt bought her act as she had so many times during Kyra’s life. “Oh, Sweetling, you have made this old witch very happy. Know that I am always here for you, Little One, you only need call. I love you, my dear.”
Her aunt’s unconditional love had seen Kyra through many dark times and would get her through more, she had no doubt. “Thank you, Auntie Della, I love you, too.”
“Blessed be, Little One.”
“Blessed be, Auntie”
She barely had the call disconnected before she was in the house, boots on, and heading for the front door, all thoughts of relaxation a distant memory. Rian was about to see what happened when you fucked with Kyra St. Croix. On her way t
o Royce’s home she regretted not having her aunt read her the entire letter, but then decided torturing it out of Rian would be so much more rewarding.
The door opened before her fist could hit it the third time, a very surprised and smiling Royce stood just over the threshold. The smile slid from his face and his brow furrowed as she nearly spit her words at him, “Where the hell is your asshole brother?”
“You will have to narrow it down a bit. They’re both assholes.” Any other time she would have laughed at his response, but in that moment it was all she could do to keep from screaming.”
“Rian,” she growled through gritted teeth.
“He’s at the training pit.” Kyra spun around and flew across the yard, Royce’s yelled “Why?” a whisper in the distance.
She reached her destination in record time and marched right up to the asshole that was the focus of her anger. He smiled a smile she was sure had made many women swoon, but instead of swooning, Kyra punched him right in the stomach as hard as she could. His resulting grunt let her know she had hit her mark. She pulled back to strike again when her fist was engulfed in a much larger hand, that even in her fury she recognized as her mate. The feel of his breath on her ear as he whispered, “I know he deserves to have his ass kicked, but here is not the place,” threatened her resolve to kick his brother’s ass, but even Royce could not stop her from getting the answers.
Sounding winded, with his hand rubbing where her fist had landed, Rian spoke, “What the hell, little witch? Isn’t Royce the one you are supposed to be beating on?”
She started for him again, fighting as hard as she could against Royce’s hold, “You stupid, arrogant prick, I’m going to kick your ass all the way back across the ocean.”
A crowd was starting to form around them, not that Kyra cared as she prepared her next insult, but before the words could leave her mouth, she was lifted in the air. She heard Royce bark, “Follow me...now,” at his brother as everything around her became a blur. No matter how many times she had seen the dragon shifters use their enhanced speed, nothing was as cool as riding along, even if she was mad enough to chew nails.
A moment later her feet touched the ground again and she recognized that they were at least two miles from the training pit in the middle of the woods. She quickly blinked to gain her equilibrium, and wasn’t surprised to see not only Rian, but also Rory standing in front of her. The warmth at her back and the hand on her shoulder said that Royce was at her back, whether just a coincidence or by design. Had she not been so angry, she could have kissed him for standing with her, even though he had no clue why she wanted to kill his brother. Tucking all thoughts of the sexy man behind her away for later consideration, she narrowed her eyes as Rian spoke, “Exactly what has you so hostile this evening?”
Not only was he smirking at her, but his tone was dripping with an arrogance that set her teeth on edge. She got almost a half a step towards him before she was pulled back against Royce’s chest and his mouth was once again at her ear, “He’s baiting you. Trust me, he can keep this up all day.”
Feeling the truth in Royce’s words, she cut off Rian’s next words and asked, “Why did you contact my mother? In what part of your inflated ego did you think that reuniting my mother and me would do anything but make me want to rip your head off and spit down the hole?”
Before Rian could respond, she felt Royce tense behind her and his chest vibrated against her back as he spoke, “Is it true, Ri? Did you contact her mother?”
‘I did,” he responded with no remorse.
“What exactly were you thinking?” Royce asked, before she had a chance.
“Well, dear brother, I was hoping that bringing her mother here would help with both the magic needed to take the traitor down and your…” he cleared his throat and motioned with his index finger between she and Royce, “relationship issues.”
Faster than she could track, Royce was out from behind her, had punched Rian in the face, and was standing over him roaring, “What the fuck is wrong with you?” Royce reached down and picked up his brother by the front of his shirt, still screaming. “What the hell gives you the right to put your arrogant ass in the middle of everyone else’s business? Get a damned life of your own and stay the hell out of mine and…” he pulled Rian until their noses touched and snarled, “Leave. Kyra. Alone.”
Rian hit the ground with a thud and Royce stood looking down at his brother as if seeing him for the first time. Rory slowing approached and looked from one brother to the other. “Okay, so now that family counseling session has concluded for today, can we all put our fists away and kiss and make up?”
“Fuck you, Rory,” Royce ground out, still breathing like at any moment he might spontaneously combust.
Kyra stood silent, unable to move, taking in the sight before her. No one had ever stood up for her before; even her Auntie Della had only provided moral support. But there was Royce, the man she was sure she would never forgive or be able to trust, the man that had hurt her more in just a few months than her mother had in fifty years, punching his own brother in the face in her defense. All the anger she had felt moments ago seemed to float away, only to be replaced by a bone-deep fatigue. Royce seemed to sense she was suddenly working really hard just to stay on her feet as he once again took his place at her back and this time, pulled her to him.
Rian climbed to his feet and wiped the blood from his already healing nose and lip while Rory looked like he was watching a tennis match, looking from one brother to the other. The silence was broken when Royce spoke over her head. “Rian, apologize to Kyra,” he demanded.
Time stood still. All three brothers looked at one another and she knew that had she not been there, looks would have been replaced by words and punches. As it was, she could feel the violent conversation they were having in mind speak. It almost made her smile to think they were being civilized for her benefit. Several tense moments later, Rian spoke, “I am very sorry, Kyra. I thought I was doing the right thing. As my brother has pointed out, I may have overstepped. I hope you will accept my apology and we can let bygones be bygones.”
She had absolutely no idea how to respond. On the one hand, she thought he really was sorry, or at least afraid Royce might just kick his ass. Maybe being the Head Elder had made him soft. But on the other hand, he had brought her mother back into her life and she knew that was not something that was going to just go away. Twenty-five years was all the reprieve she was going to get.
“I accept your apology, Rian.” There was so much more she wanted to say, but simply did not have the energy.
Rian and Rory walked away, talking about training and plans for their return home, while she was perfectly content to stay right where she was, cocooned in Royce’s warmth, surrounded by his incredible strength. His stubble tickled the outside of her ear and his breath caused goosebumps to rise on her arms as he whispered, “I better get you home, a chumann. It’ll be dark soon and I still have to meet with my Force.”
“And I’m so tired I might fall asleep standing here,” she chuckled.
“Well, let me make it easier for you,” and with that, he lifted her up and they exited the woods the same way they had entered.
When they got to within a hundred yards of her home, Royce set her on her feet and took her hand. She was surprised at how natural it felt to walk hand in hand with the man that occupied her every dream, and the constant electrical current that flowed between them had her wet and needy by the time they got to her front door. “Here you are, safe and sound,” he said, his voice sounding lower and rougher. It made her smile to know that she affected him just like he did her.
“Yep. Thanks for everything. Sorry if I embarrassed you earlier…”
“Stop right there,” Royce interrupted. “You had every right to come after Rian. He was wrong and deserved a hell of a lot more than he got. I’m sorry I hit him before you had the chance. Years of history between brothers got the best of me.” He dropped her hand and slowly mov
ed his hands up and down her arms, leaving little electric shocks along the way.
“The only reason I moved the conversation away from the clan was because my brother is used to being in charge and loves an audience. If you had confronted him in front of the other Guardsmen, he would’ve played it up and you never would’ve gotten the apology he owed you.”
No matter how hard she tried to hold it in, she yawned, and was immediately embarrassed. Royce laughed low in his throat, and as she tried to turn away, he captured her chin between his thumb and forefinger. He leaned down until they were looking into one another’s eyes. “Please don’t hide from me,” he whispered and looked at her like she was the only thing that mattered in the world.
Time stood still and he leaned forward until their foreheads touched. “You need your sleep and I have to get to Rayne’s.” He kissed her on the forehead, his lips lingering and making her wish for more.
He straightened up and smiled the most beautiful smile she had ever seen, and somewhere deep inside, Kyra knew it was just for her. “Go on, get some sleep and I’ll see you tomorrow.” He turned her towards the door and stood waiting as she opened the door and walked inside.
“Night Royce.”
“Night, mo chroi, sweet dreams, Kyra.”
She shut the door while he stood watching, and waited as she listened to his footsteps move farther and farther away from the door. He really is trying to show you that he wants to be forgiven, she thought to herself. She got her shoes off before she fell into bed and had the best dream of her life.
