Provoked

by Rebecca Zanetti

  She stuck her tongue out at him.

  He jerked his head, more than a little startled.

  Moira laughed long and hard across the aisle. “Oh, aye, girl. You’re in the club.”

  Amber wrinkled her nose, tugging her bulletproof vest down.

  Kane’s gaze met Conn’s deep green one. Amusement as well as sorrow mingled in his younger brother’s gaze. Conn tilted his head toward Dage, a question on his face.

  Kane nodded. Dage was okay to go, but they’d need to watch his back. If he found Jase’s body, he’d try to kill every demon he saw, regardless of his own safety. Of course, Kane wasn’t sure he’d be able to keep a clear head, either.

  Talen glared at them both, his jaw clenched in a stubborn line. He wouldn’t believe Jase was dead until he saw an actual body, a fact Kane admired in his brother. He saw life one way, and that had to be the only way. That made him an amazing leader and an excellent soldier. But the fall from that belief was going to make for a hard landing.

  Kane wished just for a second to believe in fate and not reality.

  The demon compound came into view.

  A small hut sat on the shore of Scotland, facing the North Sea. Beaten, weathered, and appearing deserted, the hut masked the headquarters of the demons. How they’d managed to create a sprawling labyrinth of tunnels on the massive island was impressive, yet devastating. His brother’s body was somewhere down there.

  The helicopters had flown low, so low that radar couldn’t pick them up. Their arrival would be a surprise, though no doubt the demons were prepared. With a rush of air, the birds slammed down.

  The force hit the beach, soldiers running, the first line setting charges on the hut. “Fire in the hole,” was yelled, and the world exploded.

  Splinters of wood shot into the air to land on the rocky beach, smacking into the soldiers.

  Certainty that he was making a colossal mistake stopped Kane in his tracks. His mate didn’t belong in a war zone. Sure, Moira was a mate, but she was a witch and a soldier who’d trained for a hundred years. Amber was a human who wouldn’t even eat an animal.

  She shoved him. Hard. “Stop waffling. Let’s go.”

  Pride, unwilling and unwanted, filled him at her courage. Her willingness to run into an inferno to find her grandmother was impressive. Deep down, he also knew his mate came on the raid to aid him. He knew her well enough to understand she thought to protect him with her brain. His heart swelled.

  Grabbing her hand, he began to jog with his mate toward a blistering hell.

  God help them all.

  Amber breathed through her nose, trying to keep the wisps of burning flakes from burning her skin as they wafted down. Soldiers ran all around them, shouting orders, guns up.

  They’d opened up the ground. A myriad of stairs led down into darkness, concrete lining the walls.

  The demons must’ve taken years to build the fortress, using concrete that went how far beyond the landmass? How far into the ocean? Intriguing and kind of scary.

  A haze covered the air, giving the night a surreal appearance. Everything seemed to move very quickly but in slow motion. How was that possible?

  Kane’s hold tightened, jerking her into the present.

  Faster than lightning, a horde of demons shot from the underground tunnels.

  Raw, brutal images of pain instantly slammed into Amber’s brain.

  From the agonized cries around her, the images hit all the soldiers. Yet, they kept marching forward, guns blazing and knives flashing.

  She drew deep and covered the images and shards of agony with a gentle, soft, comforting blanket adorned with teddy bears. Then she shot the image through her skin into Kane’s.

  He sighed, his shoulders going back. “Nice job.”

  “Thanks.” Saying one of her grandmother’s chants, she sent imaginary shields through the air to the vampire and witch soldiers. They instantly sprang forward in strength and action.

  Keeping the shields firmly in place, she followed Kane past bodies, past fights, to the crumbled steps leading down into darkness. Her grandmother was down in the earth.

  A contingent of soldiers headed down, clearing the way.

  Kane released her to stand in front of her, and Talen flanked her back.

  “Let’s go,” Kane ordered.

  Talen gave her a nudge. She nodded, one hand on Kane’s back while reaching for Talen’s hand.

  He stilled and then gripped her.

  Concentrating, she shoved the imaginary blanket through her skin to his.

  Talen exhaled slowly. “Wow. Impressive.”

  She nodded. Both Kayrs brothers were pain free from the mind attack. Now she just needed to concentrate as she stepped on the crumbling stairs and started descending.

  Hitting the bottom, they followed the force of soldiers, led by Dage, through a myriad of tunnels. Demons seemed to come out from the rock in challenge. Grunts, cries of pain, and the scent of blood followed their path.

  Amber closed her eyes, concentrating. An empty tunnel to the right held odd vibrations. “This way?”

  Kane nodded, gesturing for a couple of soldiers to lead the way.

  Amber had no doubt he’d be leading the way if he wasn’t flanking her.

  Talen gave a frustrated growl from behind her.

  Him, too.

  They followed the soldiers.

  A heaviness blanketed the air.

  Suddenly, four demon soldiers leapt out of a side alcove.

  Dage instantly engaged one. Two other vampire soldiers grabbed their heads, dropping to the ground.

  Kane stepped forward and fired rapid shots into the demons’ chests. Midnight black eyes wide in shock, they dropped to the ground. Dage killed the one in his grasp. Shouting sounded from far ahead, and after receiving a quick nod from Kane, the king darted down the tunnels.

  The injured vampires reared up.

  “Decapitate them,” Kane ordered grimly and pointed at the three still breathing demons on the ground. He glanced at Amber over his shoulder. “Your shield is working. Nice job.”

  A side door opened, and a tall demon slid outside, his hand wrapped around Hilde Freebird’s neck.

  Amber gasped, her mind spinning.

  Her grandmother had a myriad of bruises down her pale cheek, and blood slid from her nose. She gasped for air. “I guess I wasn’t as strong as I’d hoped.”

  Tears filled Amber’s eyes.

  “No,” Kane whispered. “Let me handle him.”

  There wasn’t any way for Kane to handle him. If he shot the demon, the bastard would probably tear off Hilde’s head before they could stop him. Amber took a deep breath, shooting waves of pain toward the demon.

  He smiled sharp fangs, his pale face warming with a light blush. “Nice try.”

  The pain and images of dying puppies slammed into her brain. She cried out.

  Then, the world went quiet. Dying puppies? Of course.

  Tightening her hold on Kane’s hand, she followed her own path, something she should’ve thought of from the beginning. Blanketing the pain, she sent waves of peace and love toward the demon, all wrapped up in a pink baby blanket.

  He stepped back, eyes widening.

  Oh yeah, take that happy thought, asshole. Fighting pain with pain had been a mistake. “I’m a pacifist,” she muttered, reminding herself. Then she sent more happy thoughts of puppies and daisies to counter the demon’s attack.

  He visibly blanched, his hand dropping off Hilde’s neck.

  Strength filled Amber. Her own strength of goodness. Shooting yet another warm wave toward the demon, she gasped when he growled again.

  Kane took advantage of the moment and plunged his knife into the demon’s neck, twisting until the head rolled free. Then Kane focused on her. “I don’t believe it. You softened him into confusion.”

  “All I did was counter his attack. If he would’ve stopped, I wouldn’t have been able to continue affecting him.” She opened her arms for her grandmot
her to rush inside. “Are you all right?”

  Hilde hugged her tight, sniffing. “Yes.”

  Amber sighed in relief. “Let’s get out of here.”

  Oscar appeared at her side, a wide smile on his face. “I knew you’d be okay. Let’s go.”

  The rocks crumbled around them, shards shooting toward their skin. Kane ducked around Amber to shield her.

  She opened her eyes, dread slamming into her gut.

  Five demon soldiers surrounded them. All with a myriad of silver metals lining their shoulders, black eyes narrowing.

  Kane snarled, shoving her behind him.

  Images, so many, so fast, slammed into Amber’s brain. Kane’s head jerked back. Oscar gave a pained growl.

  Sucking in air, Amber grabbed her grandmother’s hand. “Remember when Mr. Doodles had puppies and we put pink bows on them all?”

  Hilde nodded, blood sliding from her nose.

  “Send that thought out to the demons . . . along with peace. Kindness filled with sugar. Trust me.”

  Hilde gulped and nodded, shutting her eyes.

  Amber centered herself, allowing the nameless chants to course through her blood. Then she sent all the peace and pretty images she could spiraling through the air.

  The pain in her head receded.

  Kane lifted to his full height.

  One by one, the demons stilled in place and then returned to fighting without the mind attacks.

  Amber kept up her happy thoughts, keeping an eye on her mate. Kane and Oscar battled the demons until all five were dead.

  “That is so freakin’ weird,” Hilde muttered, her eyes wide.

  Kane grabbed Amber’s hand. “Must be something about brain waves and turning their own attack back on them. You’re a blanket shield, sunshine.”

  “I’m a pacifist, damn it.”

  Nodding, Kane led the way through the tunnels and out to the breaking dawn. “Wait in the helicopter.” Waiting until she and Hilde sat safely inside surrounded by Oscar as well as other armed soldiers, he headed back into the earth.

  Less than an hour later, the battle was over.

  Kane assisted wounded soldiers into helicopters that headed off to various hospitals in Ireland.

  He and Talen limped toward the helicopter, their faces grim. Dage stalked right behind them.

  Kane tucked various guns and knives in pockets along his vest and pants. He shook his head as he neared. “Suri wasn’t anywhere here—damn coward. Nor were there any demon women or children. And there’s no sign of Jase.”

  Hilde visibly jumped. “I heard something about a Jase while I was being kept underground.” Her face paled and her hands trembled in her lap.

  All movement stopped, and the Kayrs men stared at Hilde.

  Amber put an arm around her grandmother. “It’s okay. What did you hear?”

  Hilde twisted her lip in an apologetic grimace. “I heard somebody named Jase died, and they buried him near the beach.”

  Kane pivoted, his gaze taking in the entire area. Then he pointed toward a sweeping tree, bare branches reaching to the rapidly graying sky. “There’s fresh earth.”

  As one, the Kayrs men ran toward the recently dug grave, digging rapidly with hands moving too fast to track. Dirt flew with their desperation.

  Hilde gave a low sob, while all Amber could do was watch, her heart shattering.

  Moira stood off to the side, her concerned gaze on Conn.

  Talen yelled when he uncovered a foot.

  Moving slower, the vampires carefully extracted dirt and rocks from the rest of the body.

  The soldiers remaining in the area watched silently, keeping an eye on the Kayrs family while searching for threats.

  Amber stood inside the massive helicopter for a better look.

  Dage dropped to his knees, his eyes widening. “Jase.” The low tenor of his voice wound along with the breeze. Then he brushed off more dirt.

  The youngest Kayrs brother was finally revealed, rocks and filth covering his bruised body.

  Moira buried her face in Conn’s side as he stared down at his brother.

  Kane dropped next to Dage, leaning forward with a frown on his face. He reached toward Jase, his hands trembling. Then he gasped, eyes lighting up with—hope. Definitely hope. “Jase’s head is still attached—barely.” Kane jerked up, his gaze on Talen. “Get bandages. Now.”

  Before Talen could turn, two soldiers ran forward with a medic kit.

  Kane quickly grabbed gauze, wrapping what was left of Jase’s neck together. “Give him blood.”

  Sharp fangs dropped from Dage’s mouth that he dug into his wrist. He put the blood to Jase’s pale lips.

  The liquid poured inside.

  Seconds passed.

  Then minutes, and nobody even seemed to breathe.

  Finally, Jase’s chest heaved.

  He shoved at Dage, his hands clawing. “Let me go.”

  “Never.” Tears filled Dage’s eyes. “Keep drinking.” He lifted his head, his gaze on Kane. A slow smile crossed the king’s face. “We’ve got him.”

  CHAPTER 32

  Kane took a deep breath, leaving Jase in the hospital bed at headquarters. The youngest Kayrs brother refused to talk to any of them. His recovery was going to take some time. And the fact that he’d still had a tendon attached in his neck had kept Kane awake and pondering several nights. The demons wouldn’t have made that mistake. They’d let Jase live.

  Why?

  For now, Kane didn’t have to figure that out. Now, he needed to help his brother recover.

  Every time Kane visited, he opened up his senses along with his emotions. The act was getting easier each time, and soon he’d help his brother heal. No doubt the skills he’d gained from mating Amber would come in handy at some point.

  They’d been home for two weeks.

  He still hadn’t mastered his new skills, but Amber seemed to be doing well with hers. The fact that she’d smothered the demon attack with kindness and gentleness still impressed the hell out of him. She’d found her own way and won.

  During that two weeks, Amber had been trying his patience beyond belief. When she wasn’t training with everyone who had a different gift, she was messing with Kane’s life. The brat was trying to get out of their hundred-year agreement.

  He’d kept her more than busy in bed at night, and each time with her was better than the last. But during the day, the woman had run wild. She’d replaced all his food with organic food, had turned several of his soldiers into vegans, and had gotten his sisters-in-law on her side regarding love and forever.

  They pestered him daily.

  He shook his head. The idea of losing her made his entire body ache. The woman loved him—shouldn’t she be trying to stay with him?

  He just needed a little more time to figure things out and find a cure for the virus before the damn bug attacked his mate. He was getting closer, he just knew it. So his mate could just relax. They had eternity, for goodness’ sake.

  He opened his lab on the third floor and stopped short. Rabbits, mice, and his five monkeys bounded around the room, free as could be. Worse yet, string cheese covered every available space, and empty dented cans were scattered everywhere.

  She hadn’t.

  She truly hadn’t given the monkeys cans of string cheese. The very same unhealthy string cheese she’d campaigned against the previous week.

  Walter opened his mouth and spit cheese. Then the damn monkey grinned.

  Son of a bitch.

  Talen clomped up behind him. “Is Jase any better today?”

  Kane couldn’t answer, his mouth open as he stared at his once pristine lab.

  Talen glanced around him and barked a short laugh. “You have got to be kidding me.”

  “I—” Kane shook his head, gaze dropping to his favorite microscope. A rabbit sitting under the scope twitched its cheese-covered nose.

  Talen clapped him on the back. “You’d better get your mate under control and now.”
>
  “I’m telling Cara you said that,” Kane murmured absently. A beaker crashed to the floor as a mouse ran by on the counter.

  “Whatever. Conn and Moira are heading home tomorrow, and my mate will be here tonight.”

  “So?” Kane growled as Walter threw a microscope at the far wall.

  “So, we’ll all be in one place if you want to have a wedding.”

  Kane started. “A wedding? You’re kidding.”

  “Nope.” Talen pivoted to go.

  Kane turned and grabbed his brother’s arm. “You’re not helping me clean up?”

  Talen glanced over his shoulder at the devastation. “Not in a million fucking years. It’s your own fault you haven’t told her you love her. Dipshit.” He shrugged free, whistling a jaunty tune as he sauntered down the hallway.

  Kane took a tentative step into the lab, his loafer sliding on cheese. His arms wind-milled, and he crashed to the ground. Finally, the temper he didn’t have roared through him.

  Then humor.

  He grinned as Walter swung to the far wall, licking cheese off his lips. Kane threw back his head and laughed.

  The thought occurred to him that he’d laughed more since meeting Amber than he’d done in three centuries.

  His heart warmed.

  The brand on his palm pounded.

  Reality smacked him hard in the face, nearly jerking his head back.

  He loved her.

  Not in a running-through-daisies way, but in a forever, he’d-be-devastated-without-her way.

  As he finally allowed himself to believe in forever, love, and fate . . . his shoulders relaxed. The world finally made sense.

  Oh, he loved the little minx.

  But man, things were going to change.

  Dage Kayrs skirted the large lab, not wanting to see the mess. He’d talk to Kane later. Maneuvering through the underground hallways, he found his mate at the small lab.

  Emma’s dark hair was pulled back in a clip while faded jeans hugged her sexy hips. No makeup adorned her pretty face, and the logo on her T-shirt was faded beyond recognition. As usual, the queen of the Realm was at work, her amazing mind spinning as she tried to cure the virus. She stood, reading a file, muttering under her breath.