“I’m aware of that.” Michael leaned against his desk and scrubbed a hand over his jaw. “But the Ancients are as old as the Sins, and very powerful, too.”
“Stop waylaying me,” Týr snapped, pacing to the window and back again. “Just spit it out.”
“Luceré’s spoken to me. She didn’t want to overwhelm Kira with what the future could bring after everything that’s already occurred. With her essence also mixed with that of Lila’s, just maybe Kira can get by undetected. But she is immortal now. How long will it be before they do find her?” Michael’s expression tightened as if in regret. “Kira is the offspring of two powerful, totally opposite entities. With time, the scale of her powers could grow off the charts, and if Wrath’s dark power dominates hers, it’s a catastrophe waiting to happen. The Ancients won’t tolerate an unknown being who could tip the balance of power to the side of probable destruction. And they won’t be stopped once they get wind of Kira. To keep that threat contained, they will bind her and force her into servitude. Do you really want to take that chance?”
“So, what? I should let my mate go off to some godsforsaken place alone when I’m bound to this realm?”
“She’ll be safe here for the foreseeable future, but I’m telling you this so you know how things could turn out. There’s also the Celestial angels to consider…”
Yes, those bastards kept track of the Watchers’ human descendants, the rising psionics, for the same reason.
Týr slammed both fists against the stone wall near the fireplace, his anger detonating at the huge barrier in front of him. Pain shimmered through his hands. He spun back. “What about her brother? He’s a Sin’s heir and has plenty of power. The male lives in New Orleans with his human mate most times.”
Michael sighed. “I’m aware of that. But Kira is probably more powerful and the one who matters.”
A tic working his jaw, Týr pulled out his cell and made the call. “It’s me.”
“What can I do for you?” Riley’s calm tone drifted to his ear.
“Do you remain on Earth for long periods?” he cut to the chase. “Need to know because of who Kira’s mother is.” Týr briefly explained about Luceré being an Ancient, and what could occur with Kira.
Riley went quiet for several seconds. Týr sensed his concern. “Is Kira okay?”
“Yeah…for now.”
“If you need me, don’t hesitate. As to your question, I can remain on Earth for several months at a time. Then I need to leave for a short while, usually when my powers peak since I don’t use them often. I can either go to Stygia or to Exilum, but I prefer Exilum because of my mate.”
Exilum was a sanctuary for exiled immortals, a place that no power-that-be had domain over. A safe haven… Shit, of course! Aethan used to go to Exilum before he met Echo, when his powers escalated and threatened to take him over.
“Thanks.” Týr rang off. “Know this, Michael, I’m not letting her go anywhere alone.” He stalked out of the study and stomped down the corridor. “Fuck—fuck!” He lashed out, only to pull his punch at the last minute. If Kira saw his wounded hand, she’d demand answers, and he couldn’t lie to her—didn’t want to add to her worry when she’d just had to say goodbye to her mother. Godsdammit!
Where are you? Kira’s breathy voice cracked through his turbulent thoughts. He shut his eyes, savoring having her voice in his mind for a second before he responded.
In a meeting with Michael, catching up on things. Be there soon.
Yeah, he had to talk to her. And he fervently hoped that Lila’s DNA kept her protected.
Kira looked over the elegant, linen-draped table set near the window in the living room of their quarters. The candles and the fine china and silver flatware she’d laid out were perfect enough for a magazine spread.
She turned on the music she’d gotten from her old home because all Týr had was metal and rock. Now, the soft strains of Save the Last Dance for Me drifted to her from the music system. She loved oldies.
Týr had finally been able to go downstairs alone to spend some time with the guys in the rec room, but it seemed he’d ended up talking with Michael instead. As long as he was occupied, it gave her the time she needed. She’d wanted to do something special for him now that he was up, but it had been difficult to keep it a secret.
Hedori had shown her how to make Týr’s favorite steak dinner, but she made sure he’d also tasted things every step of the way. The champagne cooled in the ice bucket, and the butler waited for her text to send up the meal.
Where are you? she asked, checking again with Týr.
On my way.
Crap. Ah, well, she was as ready as she would ever be.
What surprise do you have in store that you wanted me out of the way? She heard the smile in his voice. He knew? Darn sneaky man.
Why, nothing. You’re so suspicious.
Soft laughter drifted through her mind. If you’re naked, I’m there in a heartbeat.
The door opened in the next breath. Týr stood there, the overhead lights brightening his pale hair. He looked so good after being at death’s door barely a week ago. He didn’t move, his gaze taking in the elegant dining table set for two.
“Wow.” Then his eyes narrowed. “Who cooked?”
“Me.” Her throat dry with nerves, she picked up the champagne and opened it, badly needing a drink. “I’m better now, and you’re gonna eat it.”
The cork popped with a loud explosion. The fizzy liquor spilled all over her pretty, forest-green dress. She spluttered, staring at herself in shock.
“We don’t have water anymore? You decided to take a champagne shower?”
At his playful tone, Kira looked up and glowered, or else she would cry. Why couldn’t she ever do anything right? Feeling utterly useless, she spun away and sprinted to the bathroom. She ripped the carefully chosen dress off and flung it aside.
“Kira?” She wheeled to find Týr in the doorway. “I didn’t mean—”
“I wanted this to be perfect,” she moaned in frustration. “But all I did was make a mess. I give up.”
He stood there, a baffled expression on his face. “It’s okay.”
No, it wasn’t. She sighed. “Let me clean up, and we might as well join the others for dinner.”
Swiping at her damp chest, she pivoted for the basin and opened the faucet. Týr’s image joined hers in the vanity mirror. He reached out and closed the tap.
“Týr, I need to wash this liquor off me. I’m sticky.”
“Let me help with that…” His palms lightly caressed her biceps down to her damp wrists and hands. His gaze held hers. “You know, I’ve never seen your true hair color?”
Well, what was one more disaster? She willed her own hair color with a thought, and a startling platinum hue spilled over the auburn spirally strands, the shade a tone deeper than her mother’s satin-white hair.
Týr stared as if he’d seen heaven. “You are exquisite.”
She rolled her eyes. “You love me, so I can’t take your word for it.”
“And utterly sexy.” He took the hair clasp she had on the marble countertop, twisted her hair into a messy topknot, and secured it. Then he lowered his head and ran his tongue over her nape. “Hmm…no champagne here.” A wicked gleam in his eyes, he tilted her head to the side and licked her throat, “Yup, some here…”
“Týr—”
His mouth came down on hers, stopping her words. “Definitely more here…” As he trailed his lips along her jaw, his busy fingers unclasped her bra, and he got rid of it. At the sight of his big hands plumping and squeezing her breasts in the mirror then tugging on her nipples, desire shot through her veins, hard and hot. She forgot her disaster.
Kira turned to him, and he kissed her again. He slid off her panties. Týr picked her up and set her down on the counter. “Now, I can easily get to the places you spilled champagne on.”
He sucked one nipple into his mouth, stroking the bud and tugging on her flesh. “Definitely
some here…” He swiped his tongue over her other nipple. “Yup, here, too.” She laughed, grabbing his hair. He trailed his tongue down to her navel, his hands pushing her thighs apart.
“I don’t think there’s any there,” she choked out, still laughing.
He cocked an eyebrow. “How do you know?”
“I don’t—”
He arched a brow. “Neither do I, so, let’s find out.” Those toffee eyes glittered with a need that had her breath catching. But she wasn’t stopping this game he started.
“Well, I had a dress on, so only the top…”
The next second, he vanished to reappear with the half-filled champagne bottle. He dripped the liquid between her breasts, the chilled liquor running down her torso, past her navel, and because she had no hair there, over her mound. At the sudden coolness on her warm flesh, her knees snapped shut. “Týr, that’s cold!”
“I’ll make you warm.”
He spread her open, pulling her backside to the edge of the counter as he put his mouth on her, his warm tongue licking through her cleft. She nearly came off the marble counter as he sucked her clit. Her head hit the wall behind her, her legs sliding over his shoulders. “You taste amazing with a hint of champagne—”
“That’s because you—”
“Always with the argument,” he rumbled against her clitoris, rubbing on the nub with the flat of his tongue before nipping her gently on her achy flesh.
“Týr, please—” She squirmed beneath his mouth.
Easing back, he inserted first one finger and then two into her. His gaze lowered as he watched his fingers slide in and out of her body. She pushed harder into him.
Those searing golden eyes held hers. “You are an absolute vision, elska, naked and spread out for me.” He slid the thumb of his other hand over her clit while working her with his digits. She bit her lip, her body arching as her orgasm broke free, taking her over the top. Gasping for air, and before she’d even come down, she heard the sound of a zipper.
She opened her eyes as Týr’s long, thick cock sprang free. He grabbed the neck of his sweater and hauled it off, tossing it aside.
He lifted her off the counter and set her on her feet facing the vanity mirror. His gaze met hers in the reflective pane.
“Hold.” He put her hands on the edges of the marble, spread her legs with his, and pressed the head of his rigid cock into her opening. In one thrust, he slid deep into her.
God, he filled her right to the deepest part of her, so thick and hard, stretching her. A deep groan escaped him. His hand on her hips, he started to move, hips thrusting. Harder, faster. Then he wrapped her hair in his hand and tilted her face to him, kissing her deeply before letting her mouth free. Her mane trapped in his hold, the pain an erotic sensation she reveled in, he squeezed her breast. His blond head lowered to her shoulder, his mouth nipping her neck. She lifted her arms to anchor around his neck.
“You are a vision, like this, spread out like some banquet only I get to enjoy.”
She peered hazily at their sensual image reflected in the mirror.
So big behind her, he actually made her appear dainty. Her breasts thrust out, leaving her open…vulnerable. But she knew he would never hurt her. Not intentionally.
Her beautiful warrior. Her mate.
He brought his hand lower between her thighs and tugged on her clit. A whimper left her. At the carnal sight of his arm across her torso holding her against his chest, and his other hand between her thighs as he rocked harder into her from behind, her body coiled taut at her impending orgasm.
“Týr,” she cried.
“I have you, baby.”
She barely heard him as pleasure crashed through her, sending her mind spinning.
Týr lowered her hands back to the vanity, grasped her hip, and thrust back into her. At the erotic sight of his cock disappearing into his mate’s body, and his own orgasm spiraling down to his groin, his release exploded.
He squeezed his eyes shut, just holding on as that white, calming, healing light he looked for swept through him, washing away images from his past.
After several harsh breaths, he pressed a kiss to Kira’s spine—hell, he didn’t want to leave her body, but he was no lightweight. She smiled at him in the mirror. Her face flushed, her lips red, her eyes bright with her pleasure—her despair from ruining the table setting hopefully a faded memory.
Oh, they would have dinner, in a moment, but naked and in front of the fireplace…
A quick shower later, as Kira tightened the bath sheet around her damp body and opened the closet for clothes, Týr rubbed his wet hair with a towel and frowned, his mind back on his convo with Michael.
“What’s wrong?”
He looked up and found her watching him, clothes apparently forgotten. “There’s something you need to know.”
“I don’t know if I should be scared by the way you said that or not, but after everything that’s happened to us? Hit me.”
He smiled. “You know about the Ancients and what they are?”
“Yes, my mother explained everything, including how dangerous they are. Those asshats actually imprisoned their own sister in some godsforsaken place because she broke their decree, fell in love, and had children.”
At her indignation, Týr smiled and then said, “It’s why Luceré went to such lengths to keep you safe. But there’s more. Being who you are, your abilities could skyrocket, and that would definitely lead them to you.”
Kira narrowed her eyes, irises turned the same neon-green shade as her sire’s. “They can come, I’m not letting anyone who instilled so much fear in my mother do the same to me.”
Týr sighed and tossed the towel onto the dresser. “Kira, it’s not only them we must worry about, it’s the angels, too. They won’t want anyone with the type of immense power you could have living in the human world for long periods—”
“What? I have to leave here?” Her eyes widened in distress.
“Elska, let me explain this, okay?” He stroked her suddenly pale cheek with his knuckles. “For now, all should be fine. You’re still coming into your abilities and having a bit of Lila’s essence in you will keep you shielded. However, should that ever change, you will have to leave this world and live elsewhere for short periods of time. I spoke to your brother, and he said he goes to Exilum. It’s a sanctuary for exiled immortals. Aethan used to go there, too, to level his abilities, something about the quartz found in the mountains stabilizing excess powers.”
Wide-eyed, Kira stared at him. “But you’ll come with me, right?”
He drew her into his arms. “Do you honestly think I’d let you go anywhere alone?”
“Oh, good.” She exhaled a relieved breath. “As long as you’re with me, I don’t care where we go. Nothing can be as frightening as Stygia.” She went on her toes and kissed his mouth. “C’mon, let’s change and go have dinner.”
“Dinner?” He arched a brow. “I thought we already started. Of course, we went with dessert first. Now, for the main course—” He made a grab for her.
Kira sputtered and ducked, grinning at him. This female. She owned his heart, his soul. Not only in this life but also in every other one they had.
Slowly, he stalked her. Man, he couldn’t wait for all their tomorrows…
Epilogue
The soft sounds of the flat screen TV drifted across the rec room, followed by laughter. The clash of balls slamming the wood ricocheted through the place as Kira walked inside, brushing back her hair she’d changed back to auburn. Why invite trouble by looking like her mother, or make it easier for the Ancients to find her?
Týr looked up from where he and Aethan played foosball. “Be with you in a moment, elska.”
“Take your time.”
At the pool table, near the seated area, Blaéz sent the cue ball cracking the triangulated balls while Dagan waited his turn.
Kira joined Echo and Shae at the bar where Darci mixed sangrias. It was a few days after Christmas
, and she still felt bad about everybody missing the festivities. “I’m sorry we didn’t get a tree or celebrate Christmas.”
“Hey, you are more important.” Echo gave Kira a quick smile. “There’s next year. We’ll have fun.”
“Yes, we will,” Darci added, filling another glass. She handed it over.
“Heck, it’s so good to be served a drink instead of me doing so for others.” Kira laughed, happy she didn’t have to work out her final two weeks at the bar. While she’d been missing in Stygia, one of the Guardians had done a memory implant on her boss and co-workers making them believe that she’d already done so. It had saved a lot of time, and Kira was thankful.
As she sipped her drink, she found Echo studying her.
“You okay?”
Kira lowered her glass, sighing deeply. “I should be grateful that Mom’s alive and with my father, right? Even if it’s not in this world. Still, I miss her—I miss my grandmother, too. And though I’m not a fan of my father’s realm, I do want to see them again.”
“I’m sure Týr would accompany you.” Echo patted her arm.
“I know what it feels like,” Shae said, her eyes a dark, haunted gray. “When my mom went missing, it was like a hole inside me. Now that I have her back, I hope she’ll start to heal…” Her gaze slid to her mate. “But Dagan gives me the strength I need to cope, especially during the harder days.”
Týr then looked up from his game and winked at her. The warm look in his eyes made her smile.
“Jenna will heal,” Echo said softly, dragging Kira’s attention back to the girls. “We are here for her. We’ll help in any way we can.”
“So”—Darci wiggled her brows at Kira—“what’s in store for you now, all-powerful one?” she teased.
Kira grimaced wryly. Then she explained what her parents had told her about shielding her abilities from the Ancients, and the beads that would aid in her concealment and protection. “I still want to work at The Shelter, helping the homeless and street children. I feel it in here…” She tapped her chest, her gaze going back to Týr. “But not straight off. I still have to get used to this new life and this ability of mine. Then I’ll speak to Týr…”
Heart's Inferno (Fallen Guardians 4) Page 36
